Members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest at the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding payment of debts allegedly owed them by the federal government.
The protesters, led by the association’s national president, Jackson Ifeanyi Nwoss, carried banners and placards calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to release funds for executed constituency and federal projects.
The contractors, who converged in large numbers at the National Assembly main gate around 10 a.m., caused a heavy traffic gridlock that forced security operatives to lock down the complex’s main entrance. Staff and visitors were later diverted to the back gate, which also became congested, with vehicles barred from entering the premises.
Speaking during the protest, Nwoss accused the federal government of insincerity and neglect, saying many contractors have been pushed into debt and poverty despite completing projects across the country.
He vowed that the protest would continue until December 31 if the government failed to release their payments, warning that the group would occupy strategic public offices nationwide.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has reversed its earlier decision to suspend plenary for one week over protests by unpaid indigenous contractors that blocked access to the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The House initially adjourned sittings to allow its leadership to engage the executive and resolve the payment issue. However, following “positive developments” from government interventions, the House spokesperson announced that plenary will resume on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
Clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria said the early resumption would enable the leadership to brief members on progress made in addressing the contractors’ grievances and other matters of national importance.
DAILY TRUST.
