Reps Suspend Plenary for One Week Over Unpaid Contractors’ Debt

The House of Representatives has suspended plenary sessions for one week to allow its leadership to engage the executive arm of government over the non-payment of billions of naira owed to contractors nationwide.

The decision followed an urgent motion moved by Malam Kabiru Ahmadu Mai-Palace during Tuesday’s plenary, presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, who seconded the motion, noted that legislative activities were disrupted earlier in the day when protesting contractors blocked the National Assembly gate, demanding payment for completed and ongoing projects. He said the blockade made it nearly impossible for lawmakers and staff to access the complex.

The House also adopted a motion moved by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda, issuing a one-week ultimatum to the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, to clear the outstanding debts owed contractors.

Chinda expressed concern that despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier directive following previous House interventions, the ministries had yet to release funds or implement approved payment schedules. He warned that the delays were worsening economic hardship and undermining the full execution of the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

In response, lawmakers resolved to suspend plenary for one week to allow further high-level consultations between the House leadership and the executive to ensure compliance with the payment directive.

Earlier, hundreds of contractors besieged the National Assembly complex in Abuja, demanding immediate settlement of their payments and threatening to continue protests until their grievances are addressed.

Meanwhile, a separate session of the House turned rowdy over disagreements on which committee should investigate alleged irregularities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex.

The dispute arose after Hon. Ademorin Kuye (APC, Lagos) moved a motion directing the Committee on Public Assets to investigate alleged illegal allocations and sales of federal property at the complex. However, Hon. Francis Waive objected, arguing that the issue falls under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Commerce.

The disagreement forced lawmakers into an executive session to calm tensions and resolve the impasse.