House Committee Urges Swift Payment to Contractors Amid Delays

By Angel Ike

House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement has urged the Accountant General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, to expedite payments owed to contractors.

At a public hearing in Abuja, Committee Chairman Unyime Idem expressed deep concern over persistent delays, highlighting that the committee has received numerous petitions regarding late or unpaid contractor funds spanning the past two years.

Idem revealed that the House has been engaging with protesting contractors to maintain calm while pushing for resolution.

“The chronic issue of delayed payments for over two to three years has led to daily petitions and protests.

“The committee has managed the tension prudently, preventing escalation that could have damaged offices,” Idem said.

He called on the Accountant General to submit, within seven days, documentation explaining alleged irregularities in contract awards within the agency’s budget for 2023 to 2025.

In response, Ogunjimi alleged contract award misconduct in some government agencies, noting that some contracts were issued without corresponding funds, violating procurement law.

He assured efforts are underway to clear payments for contractors who have fulfilled their obligations.

Since his appointment in March 2025, Ogunjimi mentioned that some implicated directors have been reassigned out of Abuja.

He pledged to provide a comprehensive official response to the committee addressing all raised issues within one wee