By Our Correspondent
A civil society organisation, Vanguard for Good Governance, has called for the refund of an alleged N150 million linked to a family member of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, warning that the controversy is stalling the delivery of a 2,000-unit housing project for workers.
In a statement issued in Jos on Thursday, the group’s leader, Mark Pam, raised concerns over what it described as a “troubling financial dispute” involving Architect Molkat Mutfwang and a contractor engaged on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) housing scheme in Bassa Local Government Area.
According to the CSO, the dispute stems from a N100 million transaction allegedly agreed to be repaid as N150 million, which remains unsettled. It said the unresolved issue has hindered the contractor’s ability to mobilise to site, effectively delaying progress on the project.
“We are deeply concerned that a project of this magnitude has remained on paper due to what appears to be a private financial dispute. Plateau people deserve better,” the statement read.
The organisation said its concerns were based on findings from an investigative report detailing the alleged financial dealings and their impact on the housing scheme, which is intended to provide affordable homes for workers.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, the group warned that continued delays could trigger peaceful protests aimed at demanding accountability and transparency in the handling of the project.
It also raised broader concerns about the project’s execution, noting that about 28 contractors have reportedly been involved at different stages without delivering results.
“It is alarming that about 28 contractors have attempted this project without success. This raises serious concerns about possible systemic exploitation and lack of proper oversight,” the statement added.
The CSO further called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the matter, including allegations surrounding the issuance of post-dated cheques said to have been dishonoured.
While reiterating its commitment to transparency in public projects, the group urged all parties involved to resolve the dispute promptly to allow work to resume on the housing development.
The NLC housing project, once completed, is expected to ease accommodation challenges for workers in Plateau State, making its delay a growing source of concern among stakeholders.
CSO Demands Refund Over Alleged N150m Dispute Stalling Plateau Housing Project
