Embarrassment for FG as officials come under pressure over non-payment of contractors

The Federal Government has come under intense fire as the Centre for Economic Justice and Social Equity (CEJSE) publicly slammed the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General for persistent non-payment of verified contractors, calling the situation a national embarrassment with far-reaching economic consequences.

In a scathing statement signed by CEJSE President Dr. Ibrahim Okehi Omeiza, the group accused key government officials of gross negligence and warned that continued delays in settling completed and certified contracts are triggering widespread economic hardship, especially among small businesses.

He said: “The refusal to pay contractors who have fulfilled their obligations has become a silent but deadly virus. This is not just fiscal mismanagement; it is economic injustice.”

CEJSE said some contractors have waited for over 18 months despite completing projects backed by budgetary allocations and official approvals.

The group noted that many of these contractors took out high-interest loans to execute public works and are now facing bankruptcy, staff layoffs, and legal threats due to government inaction.

“How do you justify this? These are not ghost projects. These are verifiable, completed works that have passed through due process. Yet contractors are forced to go ministry to ministry like beggars,” Omeiza said.

The group warned that continued silence and inaction from the Finance Minister and the Accountant-General is fuelling speculation about corruption, fund diversion, or gross incompetence.

“If funds were allocated, where are they? Who is sitting on them? Why are payments not being made?” Omeiza queried.

CEJSE further cautioned that the crisis could undermine future investments, damage public-private partnerships, and erode international confidence in doing business with the Nigerian government.

The group has issued a final warning, demanding immediate payment of all verified contractual debts, a public audit of delayed disbursements, and structural reforms in the payment process for public contractors.

CEJSE also vowed to pursue legal action and mass civil mobilisation if the government fails to act swiftly.

“This is the last chance for the government to do right. If there’s no action, we will meet them in court and take this battle to the streets if necessary,” the group said.