Payments for waste evacuation in FCT now performance-based — Wike

Payments for Waste Evacuation in FCT Now Performance-Based - Wike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has entered a new era of accountability in public sanitation management, following the announcement by Minister Nyesom Wike that payments to waste evacuation contractors will henceforth be strictly tied to performance.

This policy shift, unveiled during an interactive session with 54 newly engaged contractors in Abuja, signals a decisive break from the past and a bold attempt to instill discipline, efficiency, and transparency in the capital’s waste management system.

For years, residents of Abuja have endured inconsistent waste evacuation services, with some areas left unattended for long periods. Wike’s directive makes clear that such lapses will no longer be tolerated. He emphasized that contractors will only be paid after satisfactory performance has been verified, and a task force will be established to monitor operations across the city. In his words, “Your job is what will speak for you, and you must get the job done.”

This uncompromising stance reflects a broader determination to ensure that public funds are spent responsibly and that service delivery meets the expectations of residents.

The minister also warned against excuses related to faulty equipment or inadequate capacity. Companies allocated multiple operational sites will undergo immediate checks to confirm their ability to deliver. Any contractor found wanting risks termination of their contract.

This insistence on capacity verification underscores the administration’s resolve to prioritize competence over favoritism, a principle that has often been lacking in public sector engagements.

Residents have been invited to play a role in this new accountability framework by providing feedback on contractors’ performance. Such feedback will directly influence whether companies receive payment, thereby creating a participatory system where citizens’ voices help shape service delivery outcomes.

This approach not only empowers residents but also strengthens the bond between government and the governed, ensuring that public services are responsive to real needs.

The policy comes against the backdrop of eight months of outstanding payments to some contractors, particularly in areas like Asokoro where waste evacuation had stalled. Wike assured that these arrears would be settled, but only on merit. This balance between fairness and firmness highlights the administration’s dual commitment to honoring obligations while enforcing accountability.

The broader significance of this reform lies in its potential to transform Abuja’s sanitation landscape. Waste management is a visible marker of governance quality, and by tying payments to performance, the FCT Administration is setting a precedent for other sectors. It is a move that could inspire similar reforms in road maintenance, public utilities, and other service delivery areas where inefficiency has long been entrenched.

Ultimately, Wike’s performance-based payment directive is more than a managerial adjustment; it is a statement of intent. It signals that in the FCT, governance will no longer accommodate mediocrity, and that public service contracts are not entitlements but responsibilities. 

If faithfully implemented, this policy could reshape Abuja into a cleaner, more accountable capital city, and set a benchmark for governance across Nigeria.