- Indigenous contractors stormed the National Assembly over unpaid project contracts.
- House of Representatives suspended plenary for one week after the protest.
- Lawmakers revealed President Tinubu earlier ordered payment of the contractors.
- Reps issued a 7-day ultimatum to the federal government to settle the unpaid projects.
The House of Representatives has halted its plenary for one week following a major protest by indigenous contractors demanding payment for unpaid projects executed in 2024.
The protest escalated on Tuesday when contractors blocked the main entrance of the National Assembly, forcing security operatives to completely shut the gate. Workers, lawmakers, and visitors had to divert to another entrance used by the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, causing heavy traffic and delays around the Three Arms Zone.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
READ ALSO: Benin, Togo, Niger in $19.97m Debt to Nigeria Over Power Supply
According to lawmakers, this was not the first time the contractors had demonstrated. They have been protesting for months at different ministries, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Works, seeking payment for completed contracts.
During plenary, Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda moved a motion explaining that the contractors executed federal projects but have not received payment. He disclosed that the leadership of the House previously met with President Bola Tinubu, who directed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to immediately pay the contractors, an instruction that has not been carried out.
Chinda said the situation has pushed many local contractors into financial hardship, noting that the non-payment is worsening poverty and endangering livelihoods.
He asked the House to issue a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to settle the outstanding payments. The lawmakers supported the motion through a voice vote.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Nominates Enugu Attorney-General Kingsley Udeh as Minister
Kabiru Mai Palace, representing Gusau/Tsafe, moved an additional amendment that the House should suspend plenary for one week until the contractors are paid. Francis Waive, chairman of the Committee on Rules and Business, supported the amendment, stating that the continuous protests have made the National Assembly difficult to access.
According to Waive, “It is sensible to step aside for a week and allow the government to do the needful.”
The House agreed, and plenary was officially adjourned for one week.
