Abuja witnessed a tense standoff at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Monday as local contractors blocked the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, from entering the ministry.

Members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) had gathered at the ministry gate to demand payment of debts owed to them by the federal government.

As Uzoka-Anite arrived, security personnel attempted to clear a path for her, but the demonstrators refused to yield. The situation escalated, and gunshots were reportedly fired as security operatives tried to disperse the crowd.

The protest highlights growing frustrations among local contractors over delayed government payments and the challenges in resolving such disputes.