The House of Representatives has directed the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Shamsuldeen Ogunjimi, to provide a detailed breakdown of payments made to contractors under the federal government’s recent N2.4 trillion project disbursement.
This directive follows the confirmation by the Office of the Accountant-General that N2.4 trillion was approved for contractor payments relating to various ongoing and completed capital projects across the country.
The resolution was announced on Monday in Abuja via a statement from Chief Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Lawmakers Demand Transparency in Trillion-Naira Disbursement
The House emphasized the need for greater scrutiny and transparency to ensure that public funds are disbursed for authentic, completed projects, and not phantom contracts.
“We must avoid a situation where payments are made for projects that do not directly benefit Nigerians,” the Deputy Speaker warned.
Kalu, who also chairs the Ad Hoc Committee on Budget Implementation, acknowledged the government’s effort but stressed the importance of accountability and due process.
Next Review Meeting Scheduled for October 5
Kalu revealed that a follow-up session with the AGF and contractors will be held on October 5, to further assess compliance with the agreed payment structure.
“You may recall our first meeting on September 4 was a result of contractor protests. Through legislative diplomacy, we intervened and succeeded in getting them off the streets,” Kalu said.
He confirmed that only 25% of the approved N2.4 trillion had been disbursed at the time of the initial meeting, but the Office of the AGF has since cleared N2.24 trillion, leaving ₦160 billion outstanding.
Reps Applaud Government, But Demand Full Compliance
Despite the economic challenges, Kalu commended the Tinubu administration for approving such a large sum within eight months in office, saying it shows a listening and responsive government.
“This is commendable. The government deserves credit for honouring its obligations to contractors amid ongoing economic reforms,” he said.
Kalu noted that the contractors left the latest meeting with renewed confidence, having seen genuine efforts by the government and parliament to resolve their concerns.
