LOCAL CONTRACTORS PROTEST AT FINANCE MINISTRY OVER ALLEGED DELAY IN PAYMENT OF OUTSTANDING DEBTS

Local contractors operating under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) on Monday staged another peaceful protest at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja over alleged delays in the payment of outstanding debts.

The protesters temporarily blocked access to the ministry, chanting solidarity songs and urging the Minister of Finance to urgently address what they described as prolonged and unjustified non-payment for projects already executed.

The contractors accused the Federal Government of repeatedly shifting its position on debt settlement, noting that the delays have adversely affected the completion and commissioning of several projects across the country.

According to them, many projects that were fully executed and in some cases commissioned by government officials are yet to be paid for.

Monday’s protest follows similar demonstrations held last year, during which the contractors demanded the settlement of all outstanding financial obligations owed by the Federal Government. They maintained that despite several assurances from authorities, their demands remain unresolved.

In December 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed the establishment of a committee to address the grievances of contractors and verify outstanding claims. The Senate also constituted a committee and invited the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged non-payment.

The contractors have called on the government to take immediate action, warning that continued delays could further undermine indigenous participation in public infrastructure development.