After more than two years of persistent protests, petitions, and failed appeals, the long-running payment dispute between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and the Association of Indigenous Contractors of the FCT appears to be approaching a resolution.

The contractors have consistently claimed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) owes them over ₦5.2 billion for public welfare projects executed across the territory.

Despite multiple letters to the FCT Minister and other authorities, the contractors said their appeals were largely ignored, forcing them to stage peaceful protests, engage the media, and petition the National Assembly. On several occasions, protesters were dispersed with tear gas by police and questioned by the Department of State Services (DSS), yet the debt remained unpaid.

A breakthrough came during a protest on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the main gate of the FCTA Secretariat along Kapital Road, Area 11, Garki, Abuja. The Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Iya, invited representatives of the contractors into the Minister’s Office for an emergency meeting.

The Minister directed the contractors to nominate a four-man delegation for the discussion, which took place at around 3:00 pm. The delegation, led by Chairman Benson Ehuwa, met with FCTA officials, including Permanent Secretary in charge of Treasury and Budget, Adamu Ibrahim Wanki.

Sources at the meeting revealed that Wike, who initiated the dialogue, expressed willingness to pay all verified contracts executed from 2023, when he assumed office, up to the present date. Contractors were instructed to submit their outstanding bills for processing, which they promptly did.

Participants described the discussions as frank and amicable, agreeing to reconvene in the coming days to finalize the settlement process. News of the development spread quickly outside the FCTA Secretariat, prompting jubilation among the protesting contractors, though many expressed cautious optimism, noting that celebrations would come once payments are received.