News
Nine Months Unpaid Arrears: Abuja’s Cleanliness at Risk as Waste Contractors Set to Suspend Cleaning
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 The group also decried continued payments based on outdated rates that ignore the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate harmonization.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.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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