House of Reps summon Finance Minister, CBN Governor over unpaid FG contractors

The House of Representatives has summoned key figures in Nigeria’s economic management, including the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, over the federal government’s prolonged failure to pay contractors engaged by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) since October 2024.

Also expected to appear before the lawmakers on May 13 are the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General.

They are to provide explanations for the continued delay in settling verified contractual obligations despite approved budgetary allocations.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Ezechi Nnamdi (APC, Delta), who expressed concern that although the 2024 Appropriation Act made provisions for capital projects, many MDAs had received less than half of their budgeted capital funds—resulting in the non-payment of contractors for certified jobs dating back over six months.

Nnamdi warned that the situation has led to widespread project abandonment, job losses, and rising public frustration with the federal government’s commitment to infrastructure development.

“This is a major concern not just for the contractors but for the Nigerian people who are the ultimate beneficiaries of these projects,” he stated during plenary.

Backing the motion, Rep. Idris Wase (APC, Plateau) criticized the executive arm for failing to disburse funds for crucial public works, despite their inclusion in the national budget.

He stressed that delays undermine public trust and disrupt vital service delivery.

The motion received unanimous support when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put it to a voice vote.

The House subsequently urged the executive branch to immediately clear all verified debts owed to contractors and establish a transparent, timely payment framework to prevent future lapses.

In addition, the House mandated its Committees on Public Accounts and Budget and Economic Planning to carry out a joint investigation into the root causes of the non-disbursement.

The committees are expected to present their findings and legislative recommendations within four weeks.