The Federal Government has assured road contractors across the country that all verified outstanding payments will be settled on or before December 20, 2025.
The pledge comes after days of protests by contractors over accumulated debts for completed and ongoing federal road projects.
Minister of Works, David Umahi, gave the assurance on Thursday during the reopening of the repaired Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had acknowledged the growing concerns and approved the formation of a special committee to verify and clear outstanding claims.
Contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria had staged demonstrations at the Federal Ministry of Finance earlier in the week, alleging prolonged delays in payment. Some protesters displayed a symbolic coffin at the ministry’s entrance, claiming it represented the hardship and deaths suffered by members due to the stalled funding.
According to the association, the Federal Government owes about N4 trillion in total, but they specifically demanded the release of N760bn allegedly promised in September by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
Responding to their grievances, Umahi urged the contractors to halt further protests, saying the President had directed immediate action.
“Let me assure our contractors that Mr President has recognised that you have been owed,” he said.
“He is setting up a committee to review all the debts. There should be no more protests. Before the 20th of December, you will be paid.”
The minister acknowledged that some contractors working on the Maraba–Keffi corridor, including China Harbour Engineering Company, were still awaiting payment, but guaranteed that they would be included in the next disbursement.
In a move described as unprecedented, Umahi also announced that the ministry had invited the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to audit federal road projects nationwide.
“I wrote to ICPC and submitted all the projects from the day I assumed office,” he disclosed.
“We have also sent the same list to EFCC. We are very transparent in what we are doing under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The minister added that the government would soon introduce an online platform to enable Nigerians to monitor project progress in real time.
While reopening the reconstructed Keffi Flyover—which collapsed in July after a truck damaged its structural components—Umahi praised the President for approving emergency funds within 24 hours of the incident.
“Within 24 hours of briefing him, Mr President released the money for this bridge. It’s unprecedented,” he said.
The restored bridge now features reconstructed beams, walkway, parapet, and a new gantry system to prevent truck collisions. Technical officials confirmed the flyover is ready for public use.
Speaking on the Abuja–Kano Road project, Umahi defended the pace of work, saying some criticisms were unfair. He explained that the original design had flaws, prompting modifications that included full concrete shoulders. He noted that over 44 kilometres have been completed, with solar lighting installed on sections around Kano.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to quality infrastructure, noting that a 2.5 per cent retention fee would be withheld until contractors fully meet project standards.
He added that transparency, concrete pavement technology, and planned tolling reforms would ensure durable roads and better value for taxpayers.
