By Ireti Asemota.
The Nigerian House of Representatives has delivered a stern seven-day ultimatum to Finance Minister Wale Edun and Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu, demanding immediate settlement of outstanding payments to local contractors for projects completed under the 2024 and 2025 Appropriations Acts.
This decisive action stemmed from a Motion on Matters of Urgent Public Importance tabled by Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers) during Tuesday’s plenary session.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), frustrated local contractors had gathered in large numbers at the National Assembly Complex entrance, severely restricting access and vowing to sustain their demonstration all week long.
Acknowledging Contractor Struggles and Broken Promises
In presenting the motion, Chinda highlighted the House’s recognition of the ongoing hardships faced by local contractors, who have staged multiple protests in the past and were once again rallying at the gates.
He referenced a prior high-level committee meeting, chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, where the ministers and the Accountant General of the Federation offered assurances and commitments to expedite payments to these contractors.
Chinda further noted that President Bola Tinubu had personally directed the ministers to prioritize these disbursements and advance budget execution without delay.
“Despite these directives, the follow-through has been woefully inadequate,” the lawmaker lamented. “Weeks have passed without meaningful action, exacerbating severe financial distress for contractors and the wider Nigerian public. This delay is fueling widespread tension and deepening poverty nationwide.”
As a result, the House resolved to:
- Grant a strict seven-day deadline to the Finance Minister, Budget Minister, and Accountant General to clear all pending invoices for local contractors from the 2024 budget and roll out the 2025 allocations.
- Empower House leadership to oversee enforcement, with a mandate to report back within one week—or escalate to more forceful legislative measures if needed.
Push for Plenary Adjournment to Resolve Crisis
In a connected move, Rep. Kabiru Mai-Palace (PDP-Zamfara) proposed suspending plenary proceedings for one week, allowing leadership to engage directly with the Executive branch for rapid resolution of the payment impasse.
Supporting the proposal, Rep. Francis Waive (APC-Delta) argued that the adjournment was essential, given the protesters’ determination to blockade the Assembly gates for the entire week.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, in his ruling, endorsed the votes and proceedings, officially suspending plenary until Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
