Indigenous contractors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have accused security personnel attached to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of firing teargas at peaceful protesters during a demonstration over the alleged non-payment of about N5.3 billion in contract debts, further escalating tensions between the contractors and the FCT Administration.
The contractors, operating under the Association of Indigenous Contractors of FCT, said the protest, which began afresh on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, was aimed at drawing attention to years of unpaid contract obligations which they claim have left many members financially devastated, unable to meet family responsibilities and at risk of losing properties pledged as collateral to banks.
According to the contractors, the projects had been inspected, verified, certified and forwarded for payment, but the final approval for the release of funds was never done. Some protesters also narrated how the prolonged delay in payment triggered severe financial and medical difficulties, particularly for contractors who obtained bank loans to execute the projects.
Documents seen by SaharaReporters show that some of the projects were approved by officials of the FCT Administration. One of such contracts involved the supply of electricity to the Zuba Fire Station. Documents reviewed by SaharaReporters indicate that the project was approved by Felix Amechi Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, and awarded to Olivella Supply and Sales Concept Limited in June 2024.
