Hundreds of members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) have resumed their demonstration at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, turning it into an overnight sit-in to press for the release of over ₦760 billion owed for completed federal projects from 2024.
Protesters arrived early this morning carrying placards reading “Promises Without Cash = Fraud,” “Pay 2024 Completed Projects Before 2025,” and “No Payment, No Peace.”
They have blocked both main entrances, preventing staff and vehicles from entering the ministry complex, and have vowed to remain on site indefinitely until concrete action is taken.National Secretary Babatunde Seun-Oyeniyi addressed the crowd, stating: “We have met with the Honourable Minister of Finance multiple times.
"Payment warrants have been issued, but there is still no cash backing. Our businesses are collapsing, families are suffering, and some of our colleagues have even lost their lives due to these delays. We cannot be backlogged into 2026, we need payment now.”
The current protest builds on earlier actions, including the intense barricade in early December 2025, when contractors placed a symbolic coffin at the ministry gates to dramatize the severity of the hardship caused by the unpaid debts.
The total outstanding amount owed to indigenous contractors is believed to run into several trillions of naira, with the ₦760 billion figure representing the most urgently demanded first tranche for verified and completed works.Contractors accuse the government of prioritizing other expenditures while local firms, many of which borrowed heavily from banks to execute the projects face bankruptcy and mounting interest charges.
They have repeatedly called on President Bola Tinubu for direct presidential intervention.As of this morning, no official statement has been issued by the Ministry of Finance, though sources suggest internal meetings may be taking place in response to the renewed disruption.
The association has warned that if no meaningful progress is made within the next few days, the demonstration could expand, potentially drawing in more contractors from across the country and intensifying pressure on the government.
This situation continues to unfold. More updates to follow as events develop.
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