Tension as Contractors Storm Finance Ministry Over Debts- Ekohotblog

Tension as Contractors Storm Finance Ministry Over Debts.
Scuffle erupts as security attempts to clear protesters.
Government committees previously set up to resolve claims.

Tension erupted on Monday at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja as local contractors staged a fresh protest over alleged unpaid debts owed by the Federal Government.

The protesters, under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, blocked the main entrance of the ministry, disrupting movement in and out of the premises.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the situation escalated when the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anite, arrived at the ministry. Security operatives attempted to clear a path for her entry, but the move was resisted by the demonstrators.

According to reports, the confrontation degenerated into a scuffle, during which a gunshot was heard as security personnel tried to disperse the crowd.

The contractors accused the Federal Government of repeatedly shifting its position on the settlement of outstanding debts, insisting that the delays have stalled the completion and commissioning of several projects nationwide.

They alleged that many projects had been fully executed and, in some cases, already commissioned by government officials, yet payments remained outstanding.

The protesters said their grievances had persisted despite multiple assurances from relevant authorities, prompting the renewed demonstration.

Monday’s protest followed similar actions staged last year, when contractors demanded the immediate settlement of all outstanding obligations owed by the Federal Government.

In December 2025, President Bola Tinubu directed the setting up of a committee to address the contractors’ grievances and verify outstanding claims.

The Senate also constituted a committee and summoned the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged non payment of the debts.