Isaac Samuel
The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, suspended plenary for one week following a protest by indigenous contractors who barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly over unpaid debts for projects executed under the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Kabiru Maipalace (APC, Zamfara), who urged lawmakers to halt sittings until the Federal Government fulfils its promise to settle outstanding payments owed to local contractors.
Earlier in the day, the contractors blocked access to the National Assembly complex, delaying proceedings and creating tension among lawmakers and staff. The aggrieved contractors vowed to sustain their protest for seven days until their demands were met.
During plenary, members rejected four motions of urgent public importance before Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided, called for an emergency closed-door session to address the escalating situation.
After the executive session, the Minority Leader lamented the government’s failure to implement the 2024–2025 budget, describing it as a major setback to economic recovery.
He noted that despite repeated engagements with the Ministers of Finance and Budget, as well as assurances from President Bola Tinubu, contractors had yet to receive payment for verified jobs.
“Contractors—our brothers and sisters—are at the gate protesting because they have not been paid for jobs executed since 2024. We have engaged the Executive several times, yet the promises made have not been fulfilled,” he said.
He warned that the continued neglect of indigenous contractors was worsening economic hardship, deepening poverty, and fuelling public frustration nationwide.
Following deliberations, the House issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Accountant-General of the Federation to settle all verified debts and ensure the full commencement of the 2025 budget implementation.
Maipalace subsequently moved a motion for the adjournment of plenary for one week, stressing that lawmakers should reconvene only after receiving progress reports on the payment directive.
Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, supported the motion, saying: “During this one week, the contractors have vowed to continue their protest and make this place inaccessible. It is only reasonable for us to step aside and allow the Executive to act.”
Deputy Speaker Kalu, responding, quipped: “So, you’re saying members arrived late today because the road was blocked by contractors, and you don’t want a repeat next week?”
“Definitely, Mr Speaker,” Waive replied.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with all items on Tuesday’s Order Paper stepped down.
Plenary was adjourned for one week, while the House leadership was mandated to engage the Executive to ensure the immediate resolution of the payment impasse.
