By Joel Ajayi

The Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors (AFSOWAC), which oversees city cleaning across the 44 lots of the Federal Capital City (FCC), has warned of an imminent suspension of services over the non-payment of nine months’ arrears.

In a letter jointly signed by the 22 AFSOWAC and released on Thursday in Abuja, Association announced its intention to halt city cleaning operations unless the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) clears the backlog of outstanding payments.

AFSOWAC comprises 22 contractors, including Cosmopolitan Cleaners Ltd., Laurmann and Company Ltd., Alba Nigeria Ltd., Environmental Expressions Ltd., Friends Development Company Ltd., Sams Engineering Services Ltd., Interproject Ltd., Inex Cleaners Ltd., Lynz Associates Ltd., Advantage Nigeria Ltd., Waste Point Ltd., Gemstein Nigeria Ltd., Health Information Network International Company Ltd., Polyglobal Ltd., Global Green Environmental Services Ltd., Primerose Enterprises Ltd., Anetor Industries Ltd., Negro International Ltd., Pinnacle Health Services Ltd., and Sole Scissors Ventures Ltd.

“For years, AFSOWAC has sustained Abuja’s reputation as one of Africa’s cleanest cities by deploying over 100 refuse compacting trucks, 60 tippers, and more than 3,000 workers,” the letter read. “Our members evacuate over 1,000 tonnes of waste daily while handling sweeping, vegetation control, silt removal, and other sanitation tasks that keep the city habitable.”

The association lamented that, despite its unwavering service delivery, payments for services rendered since January 2025 remain outstanding. Contractors, it noted, are still compelled to execute daily assignments from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), often relying on loans and personal resources to keep operations running.

“This is no longer sustainable,” AFSOWAC stressed, pointing to visible waste build-up in parts of the city and growing complaints from residents. It also warned that Abuja’s international image as a clean and organized capital is now under threat.

AFSOWAC further highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Gosa dumpsite, which it described as lacking basic equipment and access roads, thereby undermining efficient waste management. The group also decried continued payments based on outdated rates that ignore the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonization.

“The procurement process initiated in October 2024 must be urgently concluded so that payments reflect prevailing realities,” the contractors urged.

Declaring that it had reached a breaking point, AFSOWAC said it would suspend all city cleaning services effective September 25, 2025, unless the FCTA releases the nine months’ arrears.

“This decision is not taken lightly. It is born out of necessity — to safeguard our businesses, protect our workers, and preserve the health of Abuja residents,” the association emphasized.

AFSOWAC has also copied its letter to the National Security Adviser, the Director of the DSS (FCT Command), the Commissioner of Police (FCT Command), and the Director of AEPB.

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