Presidency orders ministries, agencies to pay project contractors

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and its agencies to pay contractors handling various road projects across the country. According to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, the President assured the contractors of prompt payment as soon as their works are certified for payment. Fashola, according to a statement issued by the Works and Housing arm of the ministry, stated this at the end of his inspection tour of the Federal Government projects in the South-West. He stated that unlike before when contractors were owed for more than two years, “President Muhammadu Buhari has given marching orders to relevant agencies to see that delaying contractors’ money after certification of their works is no longer tolerated.” “All hands must be on deck to ensure that ongoing projects nationwide continue at pace with regular funding,” Fashola added. The minister also stated that as soon as the third quarter capital allocation was released, the government would fulfil its promise by paying the contractors. He said if the fourth quarter capital allocation was released before the 2016 rolling plan rolls out, contractors should also expect additional payment. “If otherwise, the payment will roll over to the 2017 rolling plan,” Fashola said. – Punch.