Sub-contractors handling projects at the housing estate being constructed by Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) have urged the union to settle their outstanding liabilities of N177.1 million.
The spokesman of the sub-contractors, Obinna Okoli, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
The sub-contractors were hired by the main contractor, Brooke Moore International Ltd. in 2011 to handle various work ranging from electrical installations to plumbing at PENGASSAN’s housing estate, Lakogoma, Abuja.
He said that soon after commencing the work, the union told them that it had taken over the work from the main contractor and would henceforth deal with them directly.
He said since then only two payments were made to them in 2011 and 2012 after which everything stopped.
Okoli said in February 2014, the union, through its representative, one Hassan, conducted a verification to ascertain the level of work done by each sub-contractor.
He said the union promised that it would pay them off to enable it take over the remaining work.
He said the union, however, went ahead to settle their claims in installments, adding that after the first payment in March 2014, it reneged on its promise.
“We have not received any payment since 2014 and some of us have been going through difficulties as they borrowed the money to do the work,” Okoli said.
The spokesman said they had written several letters to the former and present executives of the union but were yet to get any response.
“We even engaged a lawyer who gave them a 10-day ultimatum but nothing was heard.”
He appealed to the executive of the union to settle the liabilities to save the contractors from further hardship.
“ We still have an outstanding payment of over N177.1 million to be paid by PENGASAN.”
Obinna said they were determined to pursue their claims, stressing that the sub-contractors would go to court if the union failed to settle the money.
When NAN contacted PENGASSAN’s President, Mr Francis Johnson, he said he was aware of the case.
“I am aware of the case but I will get back to you when I go through their letter.’