Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government for failing to pay local contractors despite President Bola Tinubu’s public claim that Nigeria has “met and surpassed” its revenue target for the year.
In a statement titled ‘Let Our SMEs Breathe’, posted on X on
Thursday, the former Anambra State governor expressed concern over reports and
images of contractors protesting in Abuja and other parts of the country over
unpaid bills for completed projects.
Obi said most of the affected contractors are small and
medium-sized enterprises that play critical roles in regional economies and
rely on timely government payments to stay afloat.
He faulted the government for boasting about increased
revenue while allegedly neglecting basic financial obligations, describing the
situation as a “contradiction” that exposes deeper problems in public finance
management and transparency.
Obi said: “In recent days, we have seen concerning images
and reports of local contractors protesting across Abuja and other parts of the
country, demanding payment for work they have already completed. Most of these
contractors are small and medium-sized businesses that are essential to the
economy in various regions, comprising ordinary Nigerians who have delivered
vital public services with the expectation that the government would honour its
commitments.
“What is even more troubling is that this situation arises
after President Tinubu publicly announced in August that Nigeria had “met and
surpassed its revenue target for the year.” With such an impressive record, one
would expect increased investment in the economy—specifically in education,
healthcare, and programs that alleviate poverty. Yet, the government has still
failed to pay contractors.
“A responsible government cannot claim record revenue while
simultaneously leaving thousands of contractors unpaid. This contradiction
highlights deeper issues related to transparency in our public finance
management and governance.
“When a government fails to pay contractors, the
consequences ripple through the entire economy. Medium and small businesses
shut down, workers lose their jobs, families experience hardship, and the
nation loses its productive capacity.
“We cannot build a strong economy when public funds are
mismanaged, obligations are ignored, and local businesses are treated as
expendable. If our revenue has indeed increased, it should be reflected in
timely payments of obligations, the growth of micro, small, and medium
enterprises (MSMEs), and reduced borrowing.
“Meeting our obligations to contractors is not optional; it
is a test of honesty, competence, and true leadership. A government that cannot
fulfil its commitments cannot be trusted to build a nation. As leaders, we must
honour our obligations, manage resources with discipline, and create an economy
that works for the people. This is how a nation rises.”
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