A major sanitation crisis may hit Abuja as contractors responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the nation’s capital have threatened to suspend services due to nine months of unpaid wages, putting public health at risk.
The contractors, under the umbrella of the Association of FCT Solid Waste and Cleaning Contractors (AFSOWAC), issued the warning in a letter addressed to the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council.
In the letter, made available to newsmen on Friday, the group warned that the strike would commence on September 23 if their demands are not met, as they can no longer guarantee uninterrupted service in the FCT without urgent payment.
The association, which represents contractors handling waste management across 44 lots in Abuja, said its members clear over 1,000 tonnes of waste daily using more than 100 refuse trucks and 60 tippers.
AFSOWAC stated that the work engages over 3,000 staff, many of whom rely solely on their jobs for survival, especially as soaring inflation continues to increase the cost of living.
“Despite our loyalty and sustained service delivery, we have not received payments since January 2025,” the association said.
The group also criticized the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), which oversees the contracts, for continuing to issue daily directives without addressing their financial concerns.
The association further decried the poor state of the Gosa dumpsite, describing it as “deplorable,” and called for immediate intervention to improve access and provide necessary equipment.
AFSOWAC called on the FCT Administration to fast-track the procurement process it began in October 2024, urging that it be updated to reflect current economic conditions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
The association noted that current payments are based on outdated rates that no longer cover operational costs.
“We’ve reached a point where passion and commitment alone can’t sustain this critical service. Without payment, we simply cannot continue,” it warned.
AFSOWAC urged the government to act swiftly to prevent a disruption in sanitation services, stressing that any breakdown could pose serious risks to public health and safety.
