Senate President Godswill Akpabio has assured protesting indigenous contractors that the National Assembly will approve ₦1.1 trillion for the payment of debts owed to them by the Federal Government. The assurance follows a demonstration by contractors at the National Assembly complex demanding immediate payment for completed federal projects across various ministries and agencies.
The protest, which disrupted plenary at both chambers of the National Assembly earlier in the day, saw hundreds of contractors chanting solidarity songs while displaying placards calling for prompt government action. Many lamented that the debts, some dating back several years, have crippled their businesses and forced massive layoffs within the construction and supply sectors.
Addressing the aggrieved contractors, Senate President Akpabio acknowledged the financial challenges they face and emphasized that the Senate is committed to addressing their concerns.
“We are aware of your plight and the financial strain this has caused many of you. I want to assure you that the Senate is working closely with the Executive to ensure that ₦1.1 trillion is approved for debt settlement. Your contributions to national development will not go unnoticed,” Akpabio stated.
The Senate President explained that the delayed payments were due to budgetary constraints and ongoing efforts to reconcile verified debts across ministries, departments, and agencies. He added that the current administration under President Bola Tinubu is determined to restore confidence among indigenous contractors by ensuring transparency and timely payments moving forward.
Meanwhile, the protest prompted a temporary suspension of plenary sessions, with lawmakers calling for immediate intervention to prevent further escalation. Several lawmakers also called for the establishment of a joint verification committee to confirm the authenticity of all outstanding claims before disbursement.
One of the protesters, identified as Engr. Adebayo Akinola, expressed cautious optimism after Akpabio’s assurance, saying, “We have heard promises before, but we hope this time, they will act. Many of us have lost assets and workers because our payments are long overdue.”
The House of Representatives had earlier suspended plenary following the protest, while Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directed the House Committees on Finance and Works to engage the Ministry of Finance and the Debt Management Office on the issue.
Analysts say the approval of ₦1.1 trillion, if implemented promptly, could stimulate growth in Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure sectors, while also improving liquidity among indigenous businesses that have been struggling under the weight of unpaid government contracts.
As the National Assembly prepares to resume discussions on the supplementary budget, contractors are hopeful that Akpabio’s assurance will translate into tangible relief after years of waiting.
