Buhari tells Julius Berger: Only genuine debts owed contractors will be paid

President Muhammadu Buhari has said the federal government will review the debt profile of the road contractors it has engaged in the past and offset those that are genuine.

Buhari made this known while receiving a delegation from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc led by Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, at the presidential villa on Friday.

The president also directed the Federal Ministries of Works and Lands, Housing and Urban Development to urgently prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalization of the nation’s vocational training centers.

Buhari gave the directive after being told at the meeting that many construction companies were forced to bring in skilled workers from abroad because of shortage of competent construction workers and artisans in the country. He said this practice is capable of undermining his administration’s blueprint to boost employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

While demanding a report on the current status of existing vocational training centers established by the Federal Government, Buhari said his administration would reposition them as efficient producers of skilled workers for the building and construction industry.