Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised concerns over reports that contractors remain unpaid for completed government projects, despite President Bola Tinubu’s claims that Nigeria has “met and surpassed” its revenue targets for the year.
In a statement on 𝕏 on Thursday, Obi questioned why the Federal Government has failed to pay contractors, many of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are vital to local economies and depend on timely payments to sustain operations.
Obi warned that withholding payments has serious consequences, including job losses, business closures, and economic hardship for families.
“In recent days, we have seen disturbing images and reports of local contractors protesting in Abuja and other parts of the country, demanding payment for work already completed,” Obi said. “Most of these contractors are SMEs crucial to regional economies, comprising ordinary Nigerians who have delivered essential public services with the expectation that the government would honour its commitments.”
He added, “What is particularly troubling is that this is happening after President Tinubu announced in August that Nigeria had ‘met and surpassed its revenue target for the year.’ With such revenue performance, one would expect more investment in critical sectors like education, healthcare, and poverty-alleviation programs. Yet, contractors remain unpaid.”
Obi stressed that failing to settle government obligations undermines transparency, governance, and economic growth.
“A responsible government cannot claim record revenue while leaving thousands of contractors unpaid. The ripple effects are significant: SMEs shut down, workers lose their jobs, families suffer, and the nation loses productive capacity. We cannot build a strong economy when public funds are mismanaged and obligations ignored,” he said.
He concluded, “Meeting our obligations to contractors is not optional; it is a test of honesty, competence, and leadership. A government that cannot fulfil its commitments cannot be trusted to build a nation. Resources must be managed with discipline to create an economy that works for the people. This is how a nation rises.”
