ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- President Bola Tinubu has intervened in the rising concerns surrounding the possible suspension of funding for vital road infrastructure projects under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Tax Credit Scheme.
In a proactive effort to prevent disruptions and ease the fears of stakeholders, the President has issued clear directives to ensure the scheme continues and that payments to contractors are made without delay.
His action follows increasing unease among contractors and several state governments over the delay in disbursements, which posed a risk to key infrastructure projects essential for the country’s economic connectivity and logistics framework.
At a high-level meeting in Abuja with contractors involved in the scheme, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, conveyed the President’s commitment to infrastructure development, stressing the administration’s determination to sustain momentum.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Mohammed Ahmed, Director of Press and Public Relations, the Minister assured all stakeholders that funding would continue and that no project would be abandoned.
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has swiftly intervened in the ongoing concerns surrounding the potential discontinuation of funding for road infrastructure projects under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited Tax Credit Scheme, directing a resumption in payments. Stakeholders are also assured of continuous funding and guaranteed that no project will be abandoned.”
On the matter of unpaid certificates, Umahi reassured contractors that most projects under NNPCL’s funding will proceed as planned. He addressed fears within the contractor community, clarifying that ongoing projects, especially those linked to future concessions, will be paid in full before being handed over to concessionaires with proven financial and operational capacity.
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He instructed contractors and field officers to immediately return to their respective sites and resume work. He further directed that updated documentation, including revised project scopes—particularly for key corridors like the Lokoja–Benin Dual Carriageway—must be submitted within seven days.
He warned that any inaccuracies in data submissions could lead to misinformation and implementation delays. On the issue of unpaid certificates, Umahi called for the proper reconciliation of certified claims with actual payments received, including VAT, other statutory deductions, and the five per cent retention fee, which he confirmed are part of contractors’ entitlements.
Umahi revealed that the Ministry is actively working with NNPCL to clear all verified outstanding certificates earned before 1st August 2025.
He also informed contractors handling NNPCL projects that the President has approved the continuation of funding from 1st August 2025 under a new, sustainable financing arrangement and that all projects under the scheme must continue.
To enhance accountability and project oversight, Umahi announced the formation of a special committee composed of directors from the Departments of Highways (Construction and Rehabilitation), Highways (Bridges and Design), Press and Public Relations, and Public Procurement. The committee is tasked with gathering and verifying relevant project data within the specified deadline.
In addition, Zonal Directors, Federal Controllers of Works, and Contractors will be dispatched across all six geopolitical zones for physical project inspections and commissioning of completed palliative works. These exercises will involve full participation from members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s firm stance against financial misconduct, Umahi directed that projects exceeding N10bn be reported separately from those below the threshold to promote transparency.
“Any unresolved payment issue or financial discrepancy after the seven-day deadline will be escalated,” he warned.
Wrapping up the session, Umahi urged all stakeholders to treat their roles as critical contributions to the national infrastructure drive championed by the Renewed Hope Administration.
“We are building with integrity, accountability, and in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” he said, adding, “Let the public, press, and the National Assembly inspect our work, and let us publicly hear from them.”