The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has called on solid waste management contractors to significantly improve sanitation across the FCT, warning that excuses would no longer be tolerated.
Wike made the remarks in Abuja on Friday during a meeting with fifty-four contractors who were recently awarded waste management contracts. He stressed the vital role of effective waste management in the capital and announced the immediate creation of a Task Force to oversee contractors’ operations. Future payments, he said, would be strictly tied to satisfactory performance.
“Managing waste is a challenging responsibility,” Wike told the contractors. “I urge you to approach this assignment as a contribution to the development of our capital city. Help us keep the city clean. This is a job you applied for willingly, and your payment will not be a problem. Do the job as required and do it well. There will be no favouritism. Your work is what will define you.”
He further warned that any company failing to maintain standards in its assigned zone would have its contract terminated. Wike instructed that teams must operate during weekends and ensure that waste is evacuated efficiently. The Director of Procurement was also directed to verify the capacity of contractors assigned multiple sites, noting that excuses such as faulty equipment would no longer be accepted.
“Contractors assigned more than one site must demonstrate they have the capacity to manage them effectively. We will not accept claims of poor equipment as justification for failing to clean any area. Every part of the FCT must be serviced,” he said.
Addressing contractors’ concerns over outstanding payments totaling eight months, Wike explained that some areas, including parts of Asokoro, were left unserviced at times in the past. He assured that the arrears would be processed, but payments would be made strictly based on performance.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Ibrahim Babayo thanked the minister for granting the audience and encouraged his colleagues to take the directives seriously, pledging their commitment to maintaining a cleaner FCT.
