Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government for failing to pay local contractors despite publicly declaring record revenue performance for the year. He made the remarks in a statement posted on his X account on Thursday, warning that the continued neglect of contractors—many of whom run small and medium-sized enterprises—poses serious risks to livelihoods and the wider economy.
Obi said images and reports of contractors staging protests in Abuja and other parts of the country reflect deepening frustration among business owners who have executed government projects but remain unpaid. He noted that many of the affected contractors are ordinary Nigerians who relied on the federal government’s assurances to sustain their operations and workforce.
“What is even more troubling is that this situation arises after President Tinubu publicly announced in August that Nigeria had ‘met and surpassed its revenue target for the year,’” Obi wrote. “With such an impressive record, one would expect increased investment in the economy… yet the government has still failed to pay contractors.”
He argued that the contradiction between government revenue claims and its inability to meet financial obligations exposes lingering transparency concerns in public finance management. According to him, unpaid obligations have severe consequences—forcing small businesses to shut down, pushing workers into unemployment, plunging families deeper into hardship and draining the country’s productive capacity.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Moves to Wipe Out N1.5tn Debt, Orders Panel to Pay 2,000 Contractors
Obi emphasised that honouring payments is not merely an administrative task but a critical measure of responsible leadership.
“A government that cannot fulfil its commitments cannot be trusted to build a nation,” he said, urging authorities to prioritise discipline in resource management and timely payment of debts, especially to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Reaffirming his long-held economic vision, Obi said Nigeria’s progress depends on leaders who treat local businesses as partners rather than expendable entities. “Meeting our obligations to contractors is not optional; it is a test of honesty, competence, and true leadership. This is how a nation rises,” he stated, concluding with his signature message: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”