Police fire teargas at contractors protesting over ‘N5.2bn debt’ in Abuja

Policemen on duty

Officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Tuesday fired teargas canisters at members of the Coalition of Indigenous FCT Contractors who were protesting an alleged unpaid debt of N5.2 billion owed them by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

The contractors arrived early at the FCTA secretariat in Abuja, blocking the main entrance with a truck while chanting the name of Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, and demanding immediate payment for projects they said were fully executed and verified.

Security operatives cordoned off the entrance to prevent the protesters from accessing the premises.

After a standoff that lasted several minutes, police officers fired multiple rounds of teargas to disperse the crowd, forcing many protesters to flee the area.

Speaking after the confrontation, Chuka Muojindu, leader of the coalition, said the N5,211,503,589 debt covers public works ranging from drain desilting and sewage evacuation to medical supplies, school furniture, borehole drilling and other community projects.

According to him, all the contracts were duly inspected, verified and forwarded for payment, but the minister has allegedly refused to authorise the final release of the funds.

“Every contract was inspected, verified and forwarded for payment but the minister has refused to approve the final release,” he said.

“Over five of our members have died. Some developed severe hypertension, some lost their homes and marriages.”