Lawmakers reveal payments for community development initiatives in 2024 and 2025 remain outstanding for construction firms

Chinedu Obika, a member of the House of Representatives, has uncovered that contractors handling constituency projects under the scheme are yet to receive payment for jobs initiated as far back as 2024, sparking reluctance among them to take on new projects tied to the National Assembly.

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This revelation was made by Obika, who represents the AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency of the Federal Capital Territory, during an interview on KAA Truths that was posted on Thursday.

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According to Obika, the constituency allocations approved for lawmakers have been budgeted twice, but the funds have never been released, with the president approving one billion twice for the lawmakers through the budget.

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He emphasized that despite the budgetary approval, there has been zero implementation, leaving contractors unpaid for 2024 and 2025 contracts, which has discouraged them from bidding for new constituency projects due to the uncertainty of payment.

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Obika described the situation where payment is selective, with only a few contractors receiving payment, as a major deterrent for contractors, who are now hesitant to take on new contracts.

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The non-implementation of budgeted allocations is a significant concern for Obika, who expressed disappointment with the current administration's handling of governance, citing the accumulation of unpaid obligations across successive budget years.

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He highlighted the funding gap as a broader issue that is frustrating lawmakers' ability to deliver projects to their constituents, despite ongoing public criticism of the National Assembly's spending.

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Obika noted that this is the first time constituency projects have been left unpaid, with the government owing contractors who carry out these projects, a situation that is unprecedented.

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The unpaid contracts have, in some cases, become a means of silencing lawmakers, as the knowledge of unpaid jobs in their constituency can be used to prevent them from speaking out against the executive.

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Obika explained that this can be used as a tool to quiet lawmakers, as the unpaid jobs can be leveraged to prevent them from criticizing the government, thereby stifling their voice.