Hundreds of contractors in Imo State have raised fresh concerns over unpaid government contracts valued at ₦15,989,213,018.18, alleging that the prolonged delay has pushed many into financial ruin.
The contractors said the projects were awarded between 2011 and 2019 during the administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha. According to them, the contracts were executed and subsequently verified by a government-appointed committee, a judicial panel of inquiry, and an ad hoc committee of the Imo State House of Assembly.
Despite these verifications, they claim payment has not been made.
Some contractors further alleged that the House committee did not publicly release its report, leaving them without clarity on the status of their claims.
Businesses Collapsed, Livelihoods Disrupted
Several affected contractors told Daily Trust that the situation has worsened between 2019 and 2026, with mounting debts, business closures, and severe personal hardship.
Some said they lost properties to financial institutions, others reportedly developed serious health challenges, while a number are said to have died while awaiting payment.
One contractor described the experience as “heartbreaking and unbearable,” adding that the prolonged non-payment has destabilised families and livelihoods.
Matter Raised at National Assembly
The issue was brought before the House of Representatives during a public hearing on February 5, 2026. The session was chaired by Hon. Kwamoti Bitrus Laori.
Counsel to the contractors, Barrister Sola Egbeyinka of Ndarani Chambers, told lawmakers that several contractors had died, while others were hospitalised without funds for medical care. He appealed to the Imo State Government, led by Governor Hope Uzodimma, to urgently address the matter.
Contractors Seek Executive Intervention
Engr. Dr. Sylvester Anyikwa, who identified himself as Chief Administrative Officer of the Imo State Contractors, said members had exhausted legal and administrative options in pursuit of payment.
“We have lost everything. We are appealing to Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene,” he said.
Another contractor, Pastor Great Nwoke, stated: “A labourer deserves his wages. We executed these projects in good faith and expect the government to honour its obligations.”
Madam Chiwendu Ezenwata, popularly known as Mama G, expressed hope that the state government would act decisively to resolve the dispute.
Call for Urgent Resolution
The contractors are calling on the Imo State Government, the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, and civil society organisations to ensure immediate settlement of the alleged ₦15.9 billion debt.
They warned that continued delay could deepen economic hardship among affected families and further erode confidence in public contracting processes in the state.
