Sanitation: Wike Warns Waste Contractors Against Excuses

By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ordered solid waste management contractors in Abuja to deliver immediate improvements in sanitation, warning that excuses will no longer be tolerated.

Speaking at an interactive meeting with 54 newly engaged waste-cleaning contractors on Friday in Abuja, Wike stressed that efficient waste management is essential to keeping the capital clean and operational.

He announced the creation of a Task Force to monitor daily operations across the Federal Capital City (FCC), adding that future payments would depend strictly on verified performance.

“Waste management is not an easy job. You applied for it, nobody forced you,” the minister said. “Do the job as required and do it well. There will be no favouritism; your work will speak for you.”

Wike warned that contracts would be terminated immediately if refuse was found in any contractor’s assigned zone.

He directed companies to work through weekends and maintain special teams for prompt waste evacuation.

He also instructed the Director of Procurement to assess the capacity of companies allocated more than one site, insisting that firms must show they have adequate equipment and manpower.

“We will not accept excuses. If you take two sites, you must have the capacity to deliver,” he said.
The minister called on residents to provide feedback on the contractors’ performance, noting that public reports would influence payment decisions.

Responding to contractors’ appeals for the settlement of eight months’ outstanding arrears, Wike said payments would be processed but only on merit, noting that some areas—including parts of Asokoro—had previously been left unattended.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Felix Obuah, said 54 successful firms were selected from over 500 applicants and have been issued letters of award with clearly defined operational beats.

Speaking for the contractors, Ibrahim Babayo expressed appreciation for the engagement and pledged full commitment to delivering a cleaner Abuja.