Protesting Contractors Demand Urgent Release of Funds
Tension escalated in Abuja on Wednesday as members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria stormed the Federal Ministry of Finance, blocking the main entrance with a coffin in a dramatic protest over unpaid funds allegedly owed to them by the Federal Government.
According to the protesters, the government is owing them over N500 billion for various completed projects delivered across different states and federal agencies.
“We Are Burying Our Members Because of This Debt” — Contractors
The contractors explained that the symbolic coffin represents the deaths of members they claim to have lost due to hardship, illness, and financial pressures arising from the prolonged non-payment.
They said the debt, which has remained outstanding despite repeated appeals, has pushed many families into poverty while forcing others to shut down their businesses.
Call for President Tinubu’s Urgent Intervention
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Finance to immediately address the crisis by releasing the funds owed to Indigenous contractors, warning that they will sustain their protest until concrete action is taken.
More updates to follow as the situation develops.
