Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has denied allegations that he awarded contracts worth N5 billion to local contractors. Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, stated that no such contracts were awarded by the Minister and challenged anyone with evidence to present official documents proving otherwise.
Olayinka explained that in December 2023, a bill amounting to about N10 billion was presented to Wike as outstanding payments for work done by local contractors before he took office. These projects were categorized as “Shopping” or Minor Procurement. In the same month, Wike approved over N5 billion for payment, which was promptly made, followed by an additional payment of over N5 billion in January 2024, clearing the outstanding N10 billion.
However, three months later, another bill exceeding N15 billion was submitted under the same minor procurement category, prompting the Minister to question who approved these contracts, since he did not award them. Olayinka questioned the legitimacy of claims that jobs worth over N15 billion were completed within three months without the Minister’s approval.
He highlighted inconsistent claims about the amounts owed, which have fluctuated from N15 billion to N8 billion and now N5 billion, emphasizing the need for accountability and clarity on the authority behind these contracts.
This statement comes amid protests from local contractors demanding payment, but Wike’s administration maintains that the issue lies with previous approvals and debts, not with the current Minister.
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