Business and Economy
Call for Compassion: Consultant Appeals to Tinubu to Pay Indebted Local Contractors
By Our Reporter
Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been commended for settling legacy debts owed to power distribution companies, amounting to about ₦3.
In a media statement issued on Sunday, a consultant, Abubakar Yusuf, expressed concern that the non-payment of legitimate funds to local contractors has deprived them and their families of celebrating festive periods such as Christmas, New Year, Sallah, and Easter, adding that the situation has also led to the death of many affected individuals.
While appealing to the President, he urged him to extend the same level of compassion shown to expatriates—who, according to him, have not complained about payments since the beginning of the current administration—to local contractors in order to sustain their participation in government projects.
He noted that the continued delay in payments since 2024 could discourage contractors from engaging in government-related activities in the future.
The situation, he added, has been worsened by the fact that many local contractors secured loans from banks and other financial institutions to execute projects after President Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
According to the consultant, these contractors invested heavily in supplies and construction of federal government capital projects with the expectation of prompt payment, similar to what was experienced during the administration of Muhammadu Buhari.
Despite the challenges, he expressed confidence in the current administration and its promises, stating that local contractors remain willing to continue supporting government initiatives, while appealing for urgent settlement of outstanding payments.
He further emphasized that even if it requires a bailout to ensure contractors are paid, such a move would enhance the President’s leadership credentials and demonstrate concern for ordinary Nigerians.
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