The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says he has been informed that 300 employees of waste management firms contracted from various categories and cadres under the Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD) are planning protest in their respective service areas over outstanding payments.
During a media parley on Sunday, Wike implied that he would not pay them since they failed to do their jobs.
“Go see the refuse on the road, just like I saw at Bwari earlier today; I’m not here for contractors. I will not pay them.
“Since Mr. President knows what he wants you to do, I would be happy if he were pleased with my appointment.
“I saw some trash on the road, and you came a month later to turn in a paper to pay for it. Which trash did you take out?” he asked.
The FCT Minister, who alluded to the fact that contracts in the Nigerian capital cost more than N1.2 billion in a single month, mentioned that he had visited Bwari earlier on Sunday and had phoned the Council Chairman and the STDD Coordinator to update them on the situation in the region.
“You want to blackmail me after we spent more than N1.2 billion in a month without seeing any results. I’m not going to let that happen.
“I noticed trash all over Bwari when I visited. I cannot be blackmailed or intimidated by anyone. I’ll act morally.
“What I’m trying to convey is that you have to stand up and say enough is enough; it can’t go on like this.
“I see that you come every month to request money for maintenance on things like street lights and the like. What are you maintaining? Why are you requesting money for maintenance since there was no light when I passed this area the other day?” Wike questioned.
The irate employees said that they had not received payment in the previous six months. The representatives of the aggrieved employees claim that they provide their services as trash management contractors under the STDD.
Last week, on behalf of the STDD Waste Contractors Forum, John Okafor said the delayed payments for work already completed are causing them financial upsets making it impossible to pay workers’ salaries.
Cleaning, solid waste removal, and janitorial services are among the services that fall within the purview of the STDD.
