Indigenous contractors protest in Abuja, accuse FG of refusing to pay them N4trn for completed projects

The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has formally accused the federal government of failing to pay for completed capital projects, with the outstanding amount exceeding N4 trillion.

Speaking during a peaceful protest on Wednesday, September 3, in Abuja, the association’s president, Jackson Nwosu said despite government claims that payments for the 2024 capital projects had been made, less than one per cent of indigenous contractors had received funds.

They warned that thousands of contractors across the country were being pushed into debt, sickness, and financial ruins.

Nwosu said. “They have been owing us since last year for over 2,024 capital projects.

“Out of more than 15,000 contractors, they have only paid about seven. Yet, they go around claiming that all payments have been settled. That is a lie. If they had paid us, we would not be on the streets.”

Nwosu lamented that many of their members had died waiting for payment, while others struggled to pay school fees and settle debts with banks.

He noted, “We are dying. Financial institutions are on our necks every day because the government claims to have paid us, but they haven’t. We will remain on the streets until every last contractor is paid.”

The group has alleged that ministries and agencies have ceased sending approvals to the Ministry of Finance because of a funding freeze, which has exacerbated the existing backlog.

Babatunde Seun, the National Secretary of the association, echoed these concerns, accusing government officials of insincerity and selective payment.

He stated that contractors had completed their project obligations but were left in a difficult position because warrants issued for February and March were not supported by cash.

He said contractors had fulfilled their obligations by completing projects but were left stranded because warrants issued for February and March were not backed by cash.

He said, “They always pay just one or two people and leave the rest.

“We met with the Finance Minister and the Accountant-General, who assured us of payments within 48 hours.

“But nothing has happened. Some of us have lost our cars and properties to banks. We cannot even pay workers or our children’s school fees.”

He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene personally.

He added, “He was once a contractor and understands this struggle. If he instructs the finance minister to pay today, the money will be released.”