Local contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) have raised alarm over the Federal Government’s failure to pay for capital projects executed under the 2024 budget, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deliberately refusing to settle debts estimated at N4 trillion.

The contractors said the government has repeatedly promised to offset the debts but has yet to release any payments.

“Nothing has happened despite all our meetings” — Contractors

Several affected contractors who spoke with SaharaReporters said multiple meetings held with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, have produced no results.

“Despite all the meetings we have had with the Finance Minister, nothing has happened,” one contractor said.

They lamented that despite reported increases in government revenue, the administration has failed to meet its contractual obligations or pay contractors who have completed their projects.

Contractors staged protests demanding payment

In September, AICAN members protested at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, demanding immediate payment for projects carried out in 2024.

During the protest, AICAN Secretary Babatunde Seun revealed that only five contractors out of the over 5,000 expecting payment had received any funds.

“We will not leave the streets until every one of our members is paid,” he declared.
“If it takes us till December, we will continue to stay here. They will not work if they keep us this way. We can’t take it anymore.”

He added that many contractors have gone bankrupt and are unable to meet basic family obligations.

“We’ve run out of business, run out of cash, run out of everything. School is opening next week; many of us couldn’t even pay last term’s fees. Is this how we are supposed to continue?”

House of Representatives suspends plenary over protests

On November 4, the House of Representatives suspended plenary for one week after contractors blocked access to the National Assembly complex during a fresh protest.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, who moved a motion of urgent national importance, said the demonstration stemmed from the government’s failure to implement President Tinubu’s directive ordering the Ministers of Finance and Budget to immediately pay local contractors.

“This non-payment has caused untold hardship to our people, and it is our duty as a Parliament to take a stand,” he said.

Meanwhile, State House spending raises questions

Earlier SaharaReporters findings revealed significant State House expenditures in 2024:

• N5.1 billion spent on vehicles between August 18 and September 9, 2024.
  • N3.4 billion went toward 16 Toyota Prado SUVs (about N212 million each).
  • N1.7 billion was used to buy 10 Toyota Camry 2023 models.
• Between March and May 2024, the Tinubu Presidency reportedly spent N9.2 billion on vehicles.
• On July 17, 2024, the State House spent N1.562 billion purchasing foreign exchange, including payments of:
  • N149.047 million
  • N358.527 million
  • N243.322 million
  • N739.074 million
  • N73.070 million

Contractors say such spending underscores government’s ability to meet its obligations but unwillingness to pay indigenous contractors for completed work.