ABUJA – Today, contractors engaged by the Federal Government commenced an indefinite protest at the Accountant General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance Headquarters in Abuja to demand immediate payment for completed and certified projects.
These contractors according to Kabir Tidjani, Spokesman for Concerned Federal Government Contractors, have not been paid since October 2024, despite fulfilling all contractual obligations—most of them using loans from financial institutions to fund these projects.
Kabir in a statement made available to journalists and online news platforms said while government ministries and officials continue to enjoy steady funding for recurrent expenses—including foreign travels, luxury vehicles, and daily operational costs—contractors who have delivered real development projects are left unpaid, pushing businesses to the brink of collapse and workers into hardship.
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“We are here because we have no choice left. Our workers are hungry, our debts are mounting, and our businesses are being destroyed by the same government that promised development,” said a spokesperson for the protesting contractors. “The government must be more sensitive. We have done the work; it is time to pay us.”
Continuing, he said, “the contractors have vowed to remain at the Accountant General’s Office and Ministry of Finance every day until payments begin.”
“We are also calling on all other contractors and stakeholders who are owed by the Federal Government to join us at these protest locations in the coming days. Together, we will ensure our voices are heard.
“This peaceful protest will continue indefinitely until the government fulfills its obligations and releases the funds owed for capital projects that are critical to Nigeria’s development”, Kabir declared.