Police Tear Gas Abuja Contractors Protesting ₦5.2bn Unpaid FCT Projects

A tense scene unfolded in Abuja on Wednesday as police officers used tear gas to disperse a group of Federal Capital Territory contractors protesting months of unpaid fees. The contractors had barricaded the entrance to the office of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, accusing him of withholding ₦5.2 billion owed for projects completed between September 2023 and May 2024.

Protesters said all work had been verified and cleared for payment but alleged the Minister refused to sign off on the final release of funds. They listed contracts ranging from drainage and sewage clearance to medical supplies, boreholes, school furniture, and other essential services.

Contractor coalition chairman Chuka Muojindu described the prolonged delay as unbearable, noting that many members had taken loans to execute the projects. Several protesters recounted severe personal and financial hardships, claiming that the situation had contributed to deaths, depression, broken homes, and medical crises within their ranks. One contractor said a pregnant colleague lost her baby after repeatedly pleading for payment.

The group also cited the case of Benson Ehuwa, who reportedly messaged the Minister to seek assistance with unpaid fees. According to the contractors, he was arrested and taken before Wike, who allegedly handed him over to police despite officers confirming he had completed his projects.

Contractors said this was not their first confrontation with security forces. During a silent demonstration in August 2024 at the FCTA Secretariat, officers allegedly moved in with tear gas and batons despite the protest being peaceful. Some protesters claimed police privately admitted they were under strict orders to disperse the group without negotiation.

The Association said it had written repeatedly to Wike, appealed to his aides, and sought intervention from the Presidency, Senate, and House leadership. Despite alleged assurances, members say the payment issues remain unresolved.

The contractors insist they are only demanding compensation for verified work. “What crime did we commit other than delivering our contracts?” one asked as the crowd dispersed under a cloud of tear gas.