By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
Local contractors on Wednesday barricaded the main entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance, protesting unpaid debts for projects completed as far back as 2024.
Under the umbrella of the Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, the protesters carried placards and blocked access to the ministry, forcing staff and visitors, including the Minister of Finance to find alternative entry routes.
The aggrieved contractors, who say they are owed millions of naira, rejected attempts by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary to address them, insisting on a direct meeting with the Minister.
They blamed the government’s centralized payment system, jointly managed by the Finance Ministry and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, for persistent delays, describing it as inefficient and financially crippling compared to the previous arrangement.
Wednesday’s demonstration is the second this year, following a similar protest in July.
