Lagos: Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, has directed contractors holding Advance Payment Guarantees (APGs) for years without executing projects to immediately return to the site or risk forfeiting further payments.
Umahi stated that it was not appropriate for contractors to retain Federal Government funds for extended periods without utilising them for projects, while still submitting payment certificates.
“That’s not acceptable,” he said.
He ordered these contractors to immediately resume work and use the funds for the designated projects, warning of payment forfeiture for non-compliance.
“I won’t pay if you’ve held funds for years and expect more,” he said.
According to him, the practice of depositing government funds in banks while submitting large payment certificates is unacceptable.
“That time is gone. We will keep fighting to reclaim our country,” Umahi said.
He emphasised that the current administration remained committed to accountability and transparency.