Joel kobe Jos
Housing is a fundamental aspect of human development, providing shelter, security, and a foundation for social and economic stability. Adequate housing promotes health, education, and productivity, while also contributing to community cohesion and local economic growth.
In Plateau State, where rapid urbanization and population growth are placing increasing demand on infrastructure, the timely completion of housing projects such as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) housing initiative by the Plateau state government led by Caleb Mufwang is critical to addressing accommodation shortages and improving living standards for workers and their families.
Yet, nearly a year after the project’s flag-off in Bassa Local Government Area, construction has yet to begin, prompting journalists to investigate the reasons behind the delay.
Investigators found that a key factor contributing to the stall is a financial dispute.
A source privy to the contract said David Sabo Kente, chairman of DSK Group and the 29th contractor engaged for the project, advanced N100 million to Architect Molkat Mufwang, the elder brother of the Plateau State governor, with an agreement that N150 million would be returned within six months.
The source noted that the unresolved debt has cast doubt over the project’s viability, raising concerns among stakeholders.
It ndicate that the loan was linked to smaller, allegedly “low-hanging fruit” contracts, including a project at the Federal University of Education, Pankshin, which Architect Mufwang claimed he would complete and use the proceeds to refund the N100 million loan with an interest of N50m. “This arrangement, however, created an atmosphere of mistrust between the parties when repayment did not materialize”; the source said.
Investigation futher reveraled that efforts by Mutfwang’s family to resolve the loan dispute between Architect Mutfwang and the contractor have yielded insignificant success, despite repeated interventions and attempts at mediation. The issue continues to linger, exacerbating tensions and delaying progress on the associated project.
Previous contractors have reportedly approached the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over funds already expended on the initiative, highlighting systemic weaknesses in financial oversight and project management.
When contacted in a telephone interview with journalists, Kente was quiet about the N150m naira loan, but attributed delays to administrative and procedural challenges, emphasizing that multiple factors have stalled project commencement.
He explained that critical approvals were missing, including the Certificate of Occupancy, which was never issued in the NLC’s name, and building plan approvals that were not provided.
Security concerns also prevented mobilization. Kente noted that repeated requests for a mobile police attachment to safeguard personnel and materials at the exposed Bassa site were ignored.
Rising costs and a history of unsuccessful contractors compounded the delays. “At the time we were brought in, 28 contractors had already attempted this project without success, which underscores the challenges involved,” Kente said.
He stressed that the inability to commence work stems from systemic issues including documentation, approvals, and security—not negligence.
Despite repeated attempts, the contractor, Chief David Sabo Kente, avoided commenting on the N150 million loan issue. Investigations, however, are ongoing, with journalists engaging engineers and company staff to verify the details of the outstanding loan. Sources confirmed that Architect Mutfwang issued post-dated cheques totaling N150 million in connection with the loan.
Reacting to the allegations surrounding the proposed 2,000 labour housing units in Plateau State, Molkat Mutfwang clarified that the N150 million being referenced was not given to him for any specific project.
He explained that the funds in question were part of broader engagements by a team working on housing developments across several states, stressing that the arrangement was not a personal transaction but a collective initiative.
He further raised concerns over the claims being made against him, questioning whether the individual involved is licensed to operate as a lender or to issue loans with interest. According to him, attempts to portray the transaction as a loan or to criminalise members of the project team are misleading and do not reflect the true nature of their engagement, which he maintained was centered on delivering housing projects.
Mutfwang also stated that he is ready to provide full clarification on the matter, including documentary evidence to support his position.
He noted that discussions are ongoing and assured that when given the opportunity, he would present all relevant documents to establish the facts and clarify the circumstances surrounding the housing project.
As the drama surrounding the alleged N100 million scandal involving the governor’s brother continues to stir controversy, observers are increasingly questioning whether the housing project—reportedly attempted by about 29 contractors without success—is being used as a conduit to defraud prospective contractors
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