Daniel Otera
A wave of frustration swept through Abuja’s Three Arms Zone on Wednesday as aggrieved contractors, lawyers, and civil society groups barricaded the National Assembly complex, demanding immediate payment of a staggering N3 trillion allegedly owed by the Federal Government.
The protest, which paralysed vehicular movement from the Assembly gate to the Federal Secretariat axis, forced lawmakers, staff, and visitors to scramble for alternative routes. Legislative activities were thrown into disarray, with plenary and committee sessions delayed and some lawmakers stranded outside the premises.
Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with bold inscriptions, the protesters vowed to maintain the blockade until their bank accounts reflect payment alerts for completed government projects.
“We are here because the Federal Government refused to pay contractors,” declared Jackson Nwosu, National President of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria. “These things are capital projects that had already been executed, and we have been pushing for payment since 2024. They are owing our association alone over N3trn.”
Nwosu revealed that the group had engaged with top government officials, including the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Accountant General of the Federation, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who intervened in September. Yet, no resolution has been reached.
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“We’ve heard the problem is from the presidency,” he added. “Yesterday, a senator came to assure us that our matter will be looked into. So we will continue to block the entrance of the National Assembly until we get our alerts.”
The protest, now in its second day, follows a similar blockade on Tuesday that led to the suspension of plenary. In response, the House of Representatives convened a closed-door executive session on Wednesday, reportedly to address the crisis. The meeting, which began shortly after 11 a.m., lasted over two hours before lawmakers relocated to Room 028 for further deliberations. As of 3:00 p.m., no official statement had been issued.
The contractors insist that the debts stem from capital releases under the 2025 fiscal cycle, and accuse authorities of shifting payment timelines despite verification and clearance already completed.