A fresh wave of controversy has emerged around the renovation of the Gwagwalada Area Council Secretariat, as allegations surface that the contractor who handled the project is yet to be paid, despite the visible completion of the work under the administration of Abubakar Jibrin Giri.
The claim, made in a Facebook post by Mohammed Isah Hassan, has sparked renewed public scrutiny over transparency and accountability in the council’s project execution. According to the post, while the renovated Secretariat stands as a symbol of infrastructural progress in Gwagwalada, the contractor responsible for the work is allegedly still awaiting payment.
“The renovation of Gwagwalada Area Council Secretariat was done by Abu Giri administration, but I can reliably and unapologetically tell you that the contractor is yet to receive his pay,” Hassan stated.
The statement raises serious questions about the financial management of completed projects within the council, especially at a time when residents are demanding greater accountability from public office holders.
Observers note that if the allegation holds true, it reflects a troubling pattern where contractors execute public projects without timely compensation—an issue that has historically discouraged credible firms from engaging in government contracts across Nigeria.
Residents and civil society voices in Federal Capital Territory are now calling for clarification from the council authorities. Many argue that failure to settle contractors could undermine future development projects and erode public trust.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the office of the chairman or the Gwagwalada Area Council regarding the allegation. Efforts to reach council representatives for comments were unsuccessful.
This development comes amid increasing political tension and criticism surrounding the leadership of Abubakar Jibrin Giri, with some stakeholders alleging unmet promises and governance gaps. However, others caution that such claims must be thoroughly verified to avoid politicizing development efforts.
The situation highlights a broader issue in local governance: the gap between project execution and financial accountability. For a council like Gwagwalada—positioned as a growing urban hub in the FCT—the implications could extend beyond politics to investor confidence and grassroots development.
Chronicles Reporters will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more details emerge.