The Kaduna state government has denied owing contractors N30 billion, describing claims surrounding alleged liabilities and a reported protest at the Ministry of Local Government as misleading and unfounded.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman Lagos, who addressed journalists in Kaduna on Friday, said neither the ministry nor any of the 23 local government councils under the current administration awarded such contracts.
According to him, the state government is not a party to the transactions being referenced, explaining that the issue predates the present administration.
He said, “We are not part of any such transaction. None of the 23 local governments under this administration awarded contracts of that nature, and the ministry did not issue any award letter to any contractor.”
Lagos clarified that the matter involves a private arrangement linked to a company identified as Formal Act, which, he said, had an understanding with the previous administration to execute projects through local governments.
He added that the dispute is already under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, with a suspect reportedly in custody.
“It is a pending issue with the EFCC, and the individual involved is currently under detention. If anyone has a legitimate claim, they should go to court and present the necessary documents,” he said.
The commissioner also dismissed reports that the ministry was shut down by protesting contractors, insisting that normal activities were not disrupted.
“No one shut down the ministry. We invited the police to maintain order because we do not want a breakdown of law and order. The situation was handled peacefully,” he said.
He called for stricter regulation of online content, noting that false claims could incite tension and undermine public confidence.
“People should stop using social media to spread fake news. If there is any genuine grievance, the proper channel is the court, not misinformation,” he added.
The commissioner maintained that while the government had previously explored ways to resolve lingering disputes inherited from past administrations, it would not accept liabilities without verifiable contractual backing.