The House of Representatives has halted plenary for one week due to a large protest by local contractors who barred the entrance to the National Assembly Complex in Abuja over alleged nonpayment for projects completed since 2024.
According to reports, the protest, which caused heavy gridlock and disrupted legislative activities, prompted lawmakers to adjourn all sittings until next Tuesday to allow House leadership to engage the executive branch and ensure that contractors receive their long-overdue payments.
The resolution came after the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), submitted a motion of urgent national importance, expressing worry about the contractors’ “dire plight”.
“You recall that our local contractors, our brothers and sisters, besieged the National Assembly today, protesting that they have not been paid for jobs completed under the 2024 budget,” Chinda told the crowd.
“This non-payment has caused untold hardship to our people, and it is our duty as a Parliament to take a stand.”
Chinda stated that the contractors’ demonstration was caused by the Federal Government’s refusal to obey President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directives instructing the Finance and Budget Ministers to release cash for finished projects.
Representatives offer a 7-day ultimatum to Finance and Budget Ministers
The House resolved to give the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Accountant-General of the Federation seven days to settle all outstanding payments owed to protesting contractors and fully implement the 2025 budget.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who presided over the plenary, put the resolution to a voice vote, which was unanimously approved by lawmakers from all parties.
Shortly after the resolution, Hon. Kabiru Ahmadu Mai-Palace (APC, Zamfara) presented a follow-up motion requesting the House to adjourn for one week until the executive responded to the ultimatum.
“Mr Speaker, the urgency and sensitivity of this matter demand that we suspend our sittings for one week so that the leadership can engage the executive to find a lasting solution,” she added.
Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, supported the proposal, stating that it was practical given that demonstrators had obstructed access to the National Assembly.
“Members arrived late today because demonstrators had blocked the highways. It makes sense to take a step back and let the executive act,” Waive explained.
Following unanimous consent by voice vote, Deputy Speaker Kalu announced that all plenary sessions will be suspended until next Tuesday, pending the conclusion of negotiations between House leadership and the executive branch.
The House also directed its leadership to strictly adhere to the resolution and report back within one week for “further drastic legislative action” if the administration fails to meet the deadline.
The protest began early Tuesday, with scores of indigenous workers carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs outside the National Assembly Complex.
They accused the government of owing billions of naira for projects finished in fiscal year 2024.
Security personnel, including police and civil defense, were deployed to contain the gathering as parliamentarians attempted to obtain access to the premises before deciding to stop proceedings.
