President Bola Tinubu has waded into the growing concerns over the possible suspension of funding for key road infrastructure projects being executed under the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Tax Credit Scheme.
In a decisive move to avert disruptions and allay stakeholder fears, the President has issued firm directives to ensure continuity of the scheme and the timely release of payments to contractors.
His intervention comes amid mounting apprehension from contractors and state governments over delayed disbursements, which had threatened to stall ongoing projects critical to the nation’s economic connectivity and logistics network.
Speaking during a high-level engagement held in Abuja with the affected contractors, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, relayed Mr President’s message, reaffirming the administration’s unwavering commitment to infrastructure development.
The minister, in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Sunday, assured stakeholders of continuous funding and guaranteed that no project would be abandoned.
The statement read, “President Bola Tinubu, through the Federal Ministry of Works, has swiftly intervened in the ongoing concerns surrounding the potential discontinuation of funding for road infrastructure projects under the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited Tax Credit Scheme, directing a resumption in payments. Stakeholders are also assured of continuous funding and guaranteed that no project will be abandoned.”
Addressing the issue of unpaid certificates under the NNPCL Tax Credit Scheme, the Minister moved to dispel fears within the contractor community. He clarified that the majority of projects under NNPCL’s funding will remain unaffected.
Furthermore, he assured the contractors, particularly those working on concession-bound roads, that before such projects are handed over to prospective concessionaires, who have proof of funds and capacity to perform, all debts and outstanding entitlements to such contractors will be fully paid for.
Umahi also directed that all contractors and field officers return to the sites and resume work immediately. He emphasised that updated project documentation, including revised scopes for critical corridors like the Lokoja–Benin Dual Carriageway and all other projects, must be submitted within seven days.
He warned that inaccurate data submissions could result in project misinformation and delays in execution. On the issue of unpaid certificates, the Minister stressed the need for accurate reconciliation of certified amounts with payments received, including VAT, other taxes, and a five per cent retention fee, which remain a part of the contractors’ entitlements.
He revealed that the ministry is actively engaging with NNPCL to clear all outstanding verified certificates earned before 1st August 2025.
Umahi informed all contractors of NNPCL projects that Mr President has approved that funding of such projects from 1st August 2025 will continue on a new sustainable funding mechanism, and that all such projects must continue.
To ensure proper oversight and accountability, Engr. Umahi constituted a committee with representation from the Directors of Highways, Construction and Rehabilitation, Highways, Bridges and Design, Press and Public Relations, and Public Procurement to collate and verify all necessary information within the stipulated deadline.
He further announced that Zonal Directors, Federal Controllers of Works, and Contractors will be deployed across the six geopolitical zones for physical inspections of ongoing projects and commissioning of completed palliative projects with the full participation of members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Reiterating the Ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on financial misconduct, the Honourable Minister ordered that all projects exceeding N10bn be reported separately from those below to enhance transparency.
“Any unresolved payment issue or financial discrepancy after the seven-day deadline will be escalated,” he added.
Concluding the meeting, Umahi called on all stakeholders to treat their respective assignments as a golden opportunity to anchor Nigeria’s infrastructure revolution under the Renewed Hope Administration. “We are building with integrity, accountability, and in the best interest of the Nigerian people,” he affirmed.
He declared, “Let the public, press, and the National Assembly inspect our work, and let us publicly hear from them.
