Protesting Contractors Block Finance Ministry Gate in Abuja Over Unpaid Contracts
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Contractors Demand Minister’s Attention Over Unsettled Payments
ABUJA, Nigeria – Tension flared in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday as members of the Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria staged a protest at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance, demanding payment for contracts reportedly executed since 2024.
The aggrieved contractors blocked the ministry’s main gate, preventing staff, visitors, and even the convoy of the Minister of Finance from entering the premises.
Eyewitnesses told Akahi News that the protesters insisted on speaking directly with the minister, refusing to be addressed by any other ministry official.
Placards, Chants, and Growing Frustrations
The demonstrators displayed placards with inscriptions such as “Pay Us Our Money,” “No Nation Develops on Unpaid Labour,” and “Minister Must Hear Us Out.”
They alleged that despite completing multiple government projects since 2024, payments had been unnecessarily delayed, leaving many contractors financially stranded.
Some protesters expressed frustration, claiming the delays had forced several small-scale firms into debt while others struggled to meet obligations to workers and suppliers.
Government Yet to Respond Officially
As of the time of this report, there had been no official statement from the Ministry of Finance regarding the protest or the contractors’ demands. However, sources hinted that ministry officials might open talks with the group in the coming days to address their concerns.
The Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria has, in recent months, repeatedly called on the Federal Government to prioritise indigenous contractors in payment schedules, warning that prolonged delays could cripple the local construction industry.
Implications and Next Steps
Analysts believe the protest could trigger wider demonstrations if the government fails to respond promptly, especially given Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. Stakeholders have urged both parties to dialogue swiftly to avoid disruptions in ongoing and future infrastructural projects.
Akahi News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.
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