Ogona Anita
There was commotion at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday, when protesting local contractors prevented Doris Uzoka-Anite, the minister of state for finance, from accessing the complex.
The protesters, under the aegis of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), blocked the gate of the ministry over debt owed by the federal government.
When Uzoka-Anite arrived at the entrance, security operatives attempted to create a pathway into the building for her — a move that was rejected by the demonstrators.
According to TheCable, amid the scuffle, a gunshot was heard as security personnel attempted to disperse the protesters.
The latest protest is part of a growing conflict between contractors and the government. In December, contractors even blocked entrances with a coffin to demand payment of over N500 billion owed to them.
Many protesters held signs saying banks no longer trust government projects because contractors aren’t paid. Some also shared painful stories of colleagues who have died by suicide due to financial stress.
They argued that inflation has reduced the value of what they are owed, but the government should still pay what it promised. They also claimed that the delays are harming small businesses and described the situation as a serious injustice, even calling it “fraud” rather than just unfairness.
Earlier in November, contractors also disrupted the National Assembly, leading to a week-long suspension of parliamentary sessions as they accused the government of withholding budgeted funds for 2024 and 2025.
