Reps suspend plenary for 7 days over unpaid contractors’ protest

The House of Representatives has suspended plenary sessions for one week in solidarity with aggrieved contractors who, on Tuesday, barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly in protest against the Federal Government’s failure to settle outstanding debts.

The decision followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Rep. Kabiru Maipalace, representing Gusau/Tsape Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.

Maipalace urged the House to halt its sittings until the executive arm fulfills its commitment to pay local contractors owed for projects executed under the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles.

Earlier in the day, the protesting contractors blocked access to the National Assembly complex, vowing to remain there for seven days to press home their demands.

Their action disrupted legislative proceedings, as lawmakers unanimously rejected four urgent motions during the plenary.

In response to the escalating tension, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu who presided over the session called for a closed-door meeting with members to deliberate on the situation and explore steps to address the contractors’ grievances.

After the executive session, House Minority Leader moved a motion highlighting the continued non-implementation of the 2024–2025 budget and the hardship caused by the government’s failure to pay contractors.

He said:

“Contractors our brothers and sisters are at the gate protesting that they have not been paid for jobs executed since 2024. We have held several meetings with the Executive, including the Ministers of Finance and Budget, yet the promises made have not been fulfilled.”

The Minority Leader noted that President Bola Tinubu had also instructed the Ministers of Finance and Budget to effect immediate payment of outstanding debts, but the directive remained unimplemented weeks after.

The motion further stressed that the non-payment of contractors has worsened economic hardship, increased poverty, and heightened public tension.

The House subsequently resolved to give the Minister of Finance, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation a seven-day ultimatum to pay all outstanding bills owed to local contractors and fully commence implementation of the 2025 budget.

Rep. Maipalace then moved another motion requesting immediate adjournment of plenary for one week, arguing that lawmakers should reconvene only after receiving updates on payment compliance.

When Deputy Speaker Kalu sought clarification, Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee, Rep. Francis Waive, supported the adjournment, saying:

“During this one week, the contractors have vowed to continue their protest and make this place inaccessible. It is sensible for us to keep away and give the executive the opportunity to do the needful.”

Deputy Speaker Kalu responded:

“So you are saying members came late today because the road was blocked by the contractors, and you don’t want a repeat of that for the next one week?”

Waive replied: “Definitely, Mr Speaker.”

The House unanimously adopted the motion, stepping down all items on Tuesday’s Order Paper and adjourning plenary until next week, while directing the leadership to engage the executive for immediate action.

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