Contractors Barricade National Assembly Over Unpaid Debts, Reps Issue Ultimatum to Ministers

The National Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a day of intense legislative activity and protests, as lawmakers debated rail sector failures, mounting national debts, and mass demonstrations by unpaid government contractors.

Senate Opens Probe into Rail Failures, Chinese Loans

At plenary, the Senate resolved to launch a comprehensive investigation into frequent rail derailments across the country and the multi-trillion-naira Chinese loans obtained for railway development under the previous administration. Lawmakers expressed deep concern over the integrity of the rail infrastructure despite huge foreign borrowings.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described the repeated derailments as “a matter of national conscience,” questioning why Nigerians “have never enjoyed one uninterrupted year of safe and reliable rail service” despite enormous spending.

“We took trillions in loans from China for rail development, yet the tracks are failing. Nigerians deserve to know why,” Akpabio declared.

A motion moved by Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central) called for an urgent technical audit following the recent derailment of the Ujevwu–Itakpe Standard Gauge Line, which occurred just four days after service resumed from a three-month suspension.

The Senate directed its Committee on Land Transport to inspect the affected route and report back within two weeks. It also urged the Federal Government to modernize safety systems, install CCTV surveillance, and fast-track the delayed Ujevwu–Itakpe–Abuja rail extension.

An ad hoc committee chaired by Senator Adams Oshiomhole was constituted to investigate both the recurring derailments and the management of Chinese rail loans. Other members include Senators Osita Ngwu, Ireti Kingibe, Sahabi Yau, and Dafinone. The panel is to submit its report within four weeks, with potential summonses for contractors and former cabinet members involved in the projects.

Tinubu Requests Fresh N1.15 Trillion Loan

Amid the debates, the Senate also received a formal request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu seeking approval to borrow N1.15 trillion from the domestic debt market to close the 2025 budget deficit.

In a letter read by Akpabio, the President said the borrowing aligns with Section 44 (1–2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) and is necessary to address an unfunded deficit of N1.147 trillion caused by increased expenditure beyond revenue projections.

Tinubu explained that the borrowing is crucial for fiscal stability and smooth implementation of the N55 trillion 2025 national budget, which carries a deficit of about N13.5 trillion. Analysts, however, estimate that the real shortfall could rise to N20 trillion if revenue performance remains sluggish.

If approved, the new borrowing would push Nigeria’s public debt, currently around N150 trillion, even higher, raising renewed concerns about debt sustainability and accountability in project execution.

Protests Rock National Assembly Over Unpaid Contractors

In a parallel development, hundreds of local contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) barricaded the National Assembly complex, protesting non-payment for completed government projects.

Led by AICAN National President, Jackson Ifeanyi, the demonstrators accused the government of marginalizing indigenous firms while settling foreign companies. They said many members were facing bankruptcy and losing property due to unpaid bank loans.

“We will remain on the streets until our payments are made,” Ifeanyi vowed. “If the government wants to kill us, let them do it here. We would rather die in the open than suffer in silence.”

The Director of Sergeant-at-Arms, Brig.-Gen. Etido Ekpo (rtd), assured the protesters that their grievances would be transmitted to the National Assembly leadership.

Reps Suspend, Then Reverse Plenary Over Debt Crisis

Following the protest, the House of Representatives initially suspended plenary for one week to allow its leadership to engage with the Executive on settling contractors’ debts. The motion, sponsored by Malam Kabiru Ahmadu Mai-Palace and seconded by Francis Waive, came after Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda accused Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu of disregarding presidential orders to release funds.

However, by evening, the House reversed its decision and announced it would reconvene on Wednesday, November 5, citing “positive developments” from discussions with government officials.

House spokesperson Akin Rotimi said the early resumption would allow leadership to brief members on progress made in resolving the contractors’ payment impasse and other pressing national matters.

In a memo issued by House Clerk Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, lawmakers were directed to reconvene as the House formally rescinds its earlier adjournment resolution.


Key Highlights:

Senate to probe rail derailments and Chinese loan utilization.

Tinubu seeks approval for N1.15 trillion domestic borrowing to close 2025 budget deficit.

Contractors barricade National Assembly over unpaid debts.

Reps issue one-week ultimatum to ministers, later reverse suspension decision.