The House of Representatives has taken decisive action to address the protracted non-payment of contractors working with Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rt Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, member representing Ukwuani Federal Constituency, at Thursday plenary
In his motion titled “Need to Investigate the Non-Payment of Contractors working with Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) since 2024,” Rt Hon. Ezechi drew the House’s attention to the grave economic and developmental implications of the government’s failure to settle certified contractor payments since October 2024, despite clear capital project provisions in the 2024 Appropriation Act.
Ezechi expressed deep concern that budget releases to MDAs under the 2024 financial year remain below 50%, resulting in widespread project abandonment, financial distress among contractors, and a negative ripple effect on the broader economy. He highlighted that the non-payment has severely hindered the implementation of critical constituency projects, undermined public confidence in government delivery, and weakened investor trust in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.
“The delay in payment to contractors has resulted in job losses, stalling of infrastructure development, and disruptions to community-based projects across the Federation,” Ezechi stated, warning that if left unchecked, the situation could spark mass protests, legal disputes, and a complete paralysis of public projects.
In response, the House unanimously adopted the motion, resolving to summon the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Auditor-General of the Federation, and other relevant officials. They are expected to appear before the House on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to explain the reasons for the non-payment of contractors and provide a clear timeline for settling all outstanding verified payments.
The House further mandated its Committees on Appropriations, Public Accounts, and Budget and Economic Planning to conduct a joint inquiry into the systemic failure to disburse funds for contractor payments, investigate accountability lapses at MDAs, and report back within four weeks with findings and recommendations for remedial legislative action.
Additionally, the House urged the Executive to take immediate administrative measures to clear all outstanding debts owed to contractors, institute a transparent payment mechanism to prevent future delays, and ensure prompt disbursement of capital project funds to safeguard jobs and restore confidence in government project delivery.
The motion, which received widespread commendation from members, underscores the House’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the completion of critical national projects.
Reported by Princess Dooshima Gandepuun, Abuja.
