Hundreds of contractors in Imo State say they have been left in hardship for over 10 years after completing government projects worth ₦15.9bn without payment.
The contracts, awarded between 2011 and 2019 during the administration of former Governor Rochas Okorocha, were reportedly executed and verified by a government committee, a judicial panel of inquiry, and an ad-hoc committee of the Imo State House of Assembly.
Despite these verifications, the contractors say they were never paid.
Some allege that the House Committee failed to publicly release its report, leaving them without recourse.
Contractors told newsmen that between 2019 and 2026, their situation worsened as debts mounted and businesses collapsed.
Some said they lost their homes to banks, others became seriously ill, while a number reportedly died while awaiting payment.
One contractor described the situation as “heartbreaking and unbearable.”
The issue was raised at a public hearing of the House of Representatives Committee chaired by Hon. Kwamoti Britrus on Feb. 5.
Their lawyer, Barrister Sola Egbeyinka of Ndarani Chambers, told lawmakers that several contractors had died, while others were hospitalized without funds for treatment.
He appealed to the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma to resolve the matter urgently.
Engr. Dr. Sylvester Anyikwa, Chief Administrative Officer of the Imo State Contractors, said the contractors had exhausted all legal and administrative channels.
“We have lost everything. We are appealing to Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene,” he said.
Pastor Great Nwoke said, “A labourer deserves his wages. We did our work in good faith and deserve to be paid.”
Madam Chiwendu Ezenwata, popularly known as Mama G, said she still believes the government would do the right thing.
The contractors are now calling on the Imo State Government, the National Assembly, anti-corruption agencies, and civil society groups to compel immediate payment of the ₦15.9bn debt, warning that further delay could lead to more hardship and loss of life.
