The Federal Government has issued a firm deadline to resolve the protracted payment crisis facing indigenous road contractors across Nigeria. Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced that all verified outstanding payments will be cleared by December 20, 2025, directly addressing protests over delayed financing that have stalled critical infrastructure projects.
Presidential Intervention to End Protests
Umahi made the crucial announcement on Thursday during the reopening ceremony of the reconstructed Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had personally acknowledged the massive backlog of debts owed to contractors and has approved the formation of a special committee tasked with verifying and settling all pending claims.
This move comes as a direct response to recent demonstrations staged by members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria at the Ministry of Finance. The contractors were demanding payment for works completed as far back as 2024. The association has consistently claimed that the total debt owed by the government is approximately N4 trillion, with a specific N760 billion still pending despite previous assurances from the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
"Let me assure our contractors that Mr President yesterday recognised that you have been owed and is setting up a committee to review all the debts," Umahi stated. He appealed for calm, adding, "Please, there should be no more protests. You will be paid... before the 20th of December, you’ll be paid."
Enhanced Transparency and Anti-Corruption Measures
In a significant push for accountability, the Minister disclosed that his ministry has invited two major anti-graft agencies to audit federal road projects nationwide. Both the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been engaged to scrutinize all ongoing and completed projects.
Umahi emphasized that this initiative is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that all future payments accurately reflect the volume and quality of work completed. "We have also sent the same list to EFCC. We are very transparent in what we are doing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu," he affirmed.
Further bolstering this transparency drive, the government will launch an online platform for real-time project monitoring. This system will allow citizens to track construction progress and report issues directly, fostering greater public oversight.
Showcasing Progress and Commitment
During the event, Umahi highlighted the rapid reconstruction of the Keffi Flyover as an example of the administration's commitment. The bridge, which collapsed on July 4 after being struck by a truck, was rebuilt in a short timeframe. "Within 24 hours of briefing him, Mr President released the money for this bridge. It’s unprecedented," the Minister noted. Technical officials have since confirmed the flyover's readiness for public use, complete with new safety systems.
The Minister also provided updates on other major projects, defending the pace of work on the Abuja–Kano Road. He cited necessary design modifications, the completion of over 44 kilometres of concrete pavement, and a 12-kilometre solar-lit extension nearing completion as signs of tangible progress.
Umahi reiterated the government's unwavering focus on quality, stating that a 2.5 per cent retention fee would be held back from contractors until they achieve full compliance with project specifications. This combination of a clear payment deadline, anti-corruption audits, and public monitoring tools represents a multi-pronged strategy to resolve Nigeria's road infrastructure funding impasse and restore contractor confidence.
