Power Move! Wike Explains Why Local Contractors Got ₦5 Billion Projects

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed allegations that he awarded ₦5 billion worth of contracts to local contractors.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement released on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister stressed that no contracts have been awarded to local contractors since the current administration took office. He challenged those making the accusations to provide verifiable evidence.

Wike explained that when he assumed office in December 2023, he met an outstanding debt of about ₦10 billion for jobs executed by local contractors under the category of “Shopping” or Minor Procurement. These contracts were awarded before his tenure. He said he immediately approved payments of over ₦5 billion that same month, and another ₦5 billion in January 2024, thereby settling the backlog.

However, just three months later, a fresh claim of more than ₦15 billion surfaced under the same Minor Procurement category. Wike questioned the validity of the new claims, pointing out that he never authorised such contracts and found it troubling that debts of such magnitude could accumulate so quickly.

“How can anyone claim to have executed projects worth ₦15 billion within three months without the Minister’s approval? How could such a huge liability arise without proper authorisation?” Wike’s aide asked.

He further revealed that the figures being quoted had been inconsistent, fluctuating from ₦15 billion down to ₦8 billion, and most recently ₦5 billion, raising even more doubts about their credibility.

The Minister’s spokesperson urged all concerned parties to explain the origin of these claims and provide documented evidence to support them.