FG December 20 deadline to pay road contractors

‎The Federal Government has moved to resolve the tensions among road contractors, promising to settle all outstanding verified payments by December 20, 2025.
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‎Minister of Works, David Umahi gave the assurance on Thursday following days of protests by contractors who claimed the government owes them an estimated N4 trillion for executed projects. The Minister also disclosed that he has formally invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to audit all ongoing and completed federal road projects.
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‎Umahi guaranteed that all verified outstanding payments to contractors will be cleared before December 20, 2025.
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‎The Minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the backlog and approved the constitution of a special committee to review and settle all claims, urging contractors to cease protests.
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‎The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, which staged protests at the Ministry of Finance, claims the Federal Government owes a total of about N4 trillion and is specifically demanding the release of N760 allegedly pledged earlier by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
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‎Umahi emphasized the government’s commitment to quality and transparency by initiating an audit of all federal road projects since he assumed office.
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‎The Ministry has submitted comprehensive lists of projects to both the ICPC and EFCC, asking them to verify projects across the 36 states and the FCT to ensure payments reflect actual work done.
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‎The government is also launching an online platform for real-time monitoring of project status, allowing citizens to track progress and raise concerns directly.
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‎The Minister reiterated the focus of the government on concrete pavement technology and the implementation of a 2.5 retention fee until contractors demonstrate full compliance, aiming for durable roads and better cost efficiency.
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‎The Minister’s assurance was given during the formal reopening of the repaired Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, which had collapsed in July 2025 after being damaged by a truck. Umahi commended the quick release of funds for the emergency works, stating the money was released within 24 hours of briefing the President. The flyover has been fully repaired, and a new gantry crash-prevention system has been installed to safeguard the structure.
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