By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives has summoned key financial officers of the Federal Government over the persistent non-payment of contractors for verified projects executed since 2024.

Those summoned include the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Yemi Cardoso; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Babatunde Ogunjimi; and the Auditor-General for the Federation, Mr. Shaakaa Chira.

The resolution to summon the officials followed the adoption of a motion moved on the floor of the House during Thursday’s plenary by Hon. Ezechi Nnamdi, who represents Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency of Delta State.

While leading debate on the motion, Hon. Nnamdi raised serious concerns over the Federal Government’s failure to pay contractors across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for certified projects completed since October 2024, despite adequate capital allocations in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

He noted that capital releases to MDAs under the 2024 budget have remained below 50 per cent, a development he said has led to widespread abandonment of critical infrastructure projects, financial distress for contractors, and broader economic disruption.

“The non-payment of contractors has not only stalled the implementation of constituency projects but also eroded public confidence in the government’s ability to meet its obligations,” he said.

Nnamdi further warned that the situation has triggered job losses, disrupted community development projects nationwide, and is threatening to spark mass protests and legal battles that could paralyze public sector project delivery.

In response to the motion, the House resolved to invite the concerned officials to appear before it on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, to explain the causes of the delayed payments and provide a definite timeline for the settlement of all verified outstanding obligations to contractors.

Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Public Accounts and Budget and Economic Planning to conduct a joint investigation into the systemic failures surrounding fund disbursements for contractor payments.

The committees are also expected to probe accountability gaps within MDAs involved in the payment process and report back to the House within four weeks with findings and recommendations for legislative remedies.