The first day of the physical verification exercise initiated by the Gwagwalada Area Council has uncovered disturbing revelations surrounding contracts awarded under the immediate past administration, exposing allegations of unpaid contractors, missing official records, and claims of illegal payments made to secure government jobs.
The verification exercise, approved by the Executive Chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Kasim Mohammed, is aimed at physically verifying contractors, consultants, and technical partners engaged by the previous administration in order to establish the true status of executed projects, outstanding contractual obligations, and compliance with due process.
The exercise, which commenced this week, is also designed to restore transparency and accountability in the management of public projects across the Area Council.
One of the most significant discoveries made on the opening day involved contractors responsible for the installation of solar-powered street lights across various communities within the council.
Several contractors appeared before the verification committee with documentary evidence showing that they had successfully executed and completed the solar street light projects. However, they alleged that despite completing the contracts in accordance with government specifications, none of them had received payment for the work executed.
The affected contractors expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in settling their contractual entitlements, insisting that they had fulfilled their obligations while awaiting payment for completed projects.
Beyond the issue of unpaid contracts, the committee also uncovered serious administrative irregularities within the council’s contract management system.
During the verification exercise, some contractors presented valid award letters issued for different projects. Surprisingly, investigations revealed that no corresponding contract files could be found within the official records of the Area Council.
The absence of these files has raised fresh questions about how certain contracts were documented, processed, monitored, and archived during the previous administration.
The development is expected to form part of the committee’s comprehensive review as officials seek to determine whether the discrepancies resulted from administrative lapses or other irregularities.
Another major issue that emerged during the exercise involved allegations of contract racketeering.
Several contractors alleged that before receiving contract awards, they were compelled to pay substantial sums of money to individuals who claimed they had the influence to facilitate the approval and award of government contracts.
According to the contractors, the payments were allegedly made outside official government procedures with the expectation that the intermediaries would secure contracts on their behalf.
If substantiated, the allegations could point to serious violations of due process, ethical standards, and transparency in public procurement.
The verification committee, headed by Engr. Chide Momoh Oguh, received documentary evidence and recorded complaints submitted by the affected contractors throughout the exercise.
Committee members assured participants that every complaint, supporting document, and submission would undergo careful examination before appropriate recommendations are forwarded to the Executive Chairman for further action.
Council officials said the ongoing verification exercise reflects the determination of the present administration to promote accountability, transparency, and responsible management of public resources.
They maintained that the exercise is intended not only to verify genuine contractual claims but also to strengthen institutional processes, restore public confidence in government procurement, and ensure that future project implementation complies strictly with established procedures.
The verification exercise is expected to continue over the coming days as more contractors, consultants, and technical partners appear before the committee to present evidence relating to contracts awarded during the previous administration.
Authorities say the outcome of the exercise will help determine outstanding liabilities, resolve legitimate grievances, improve institutional accountability, and establish a stronger foundation for efficient governance and prudent management of public projects within the Gwagwalada Area Council.