Activities around the Federal Ministry of Finance were significantly disrupted as members of the Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (ICAN) staged a fresh protest over the government’s continued delay in settling outstanding payments for completed projects. The demonstration, which drew a large crowd of contractors, caused heavy congestion around the area, forcing vehicles to navigate through a single available lane.

The contractors assembled at the ministry’s main entrance with placards and protest chants, expressing frustration over what they described as years of unmet promises. One of the placards summed up their grievance: “Don’t pay 2025 until you finish paying the 2024 budget that has been completed.”

According to the association, more than N500 billion is owed to indigenous contractors nationwide. They insist that the debt is long overdue and that non-payment has left many businesses struggling to survive.

General Secretary of the association, Mr. Babatunde Seun Oyeniyi, explained to journalists that the renewed protest became necessary after previous engagements with government officials yielded no meaningful results. He recalled that an earlier three-day demonstration in early November was suspended after the National Assembly intervened, promising to press the matter with the Minister of Finance.

Oyeniyi stated that despite several follow-up meetings—some of which kept contractors waiting at the ministry overnight—there has been no tangible progress. The government, he claimed, had previously indicated that about N150 billion was available for partial payments, yet no funds have been disbursed.

He further clarified that while some payment warrants had reportedly been issued, they had not been backed by actual cash releases. This, he said, has deepened fears among contractors that their payments may be pushed into the next fiscal year.

Their major concern, Oyeniyi emphasized, is the possibility of being rolled over into the 2026 budget, effectively turning existing obligations into long-term debts. He noted that the association would continue its protest until the government provides clear action rather than assurances.

Reports indicate that the Finance Minister has directed the contractors back to the National Assembly for further resolution, leaving the dispute unresolved. As of the time of reporting, the blockade at the ministry remained in place, with contractors insisting they will not stand down until the outstanding payments are settled.