Contractors Block Finance Ministry in Abuja Over Unpaid ₦4 Trillion Debts

Hundreds of indigenous contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) blocked the main gate of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, protesting the Federal Government’s continued failure to pay more than ₦4 trillion owed to them for completed projects.

The demonstrators, who have staged similar protests in recent weeks, said many firms are struggling financially because the government has not honoured agreements to settle verified contract payments. Only a fraction of the outstanding obligations has been paid despite repeated assurances from officials.

Tensions rose when security personnel fired a shot into the air while trying to clear a path for the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka‑Anite, who was blocked from entering the ministry complex. No serious injuries were reported, but the incident heightened stress among protesters.

AICAN leaders said many members took commercial loans to complete government projects and are now facing defaults and asset seizures because payments have not been released. They warned that the protest would continue until all verified debts are fully settled.

Contractors also accused the government of prioritising payments to foreign firms while local companies wait and urged authorities to address the crisis urgently to prevent further economic strain on the construction sector.