National News
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.
Follow Us on Google Discover
2027: ‘Obi will defeat Tinubu by a wider margin in Lagos’ — NDC
NDC disowns OK Movement campaign council, refers John Ugulu for discipline
Raphinha set to sign new Barcelona contract until 2030
Four Nigerians receive UNGA Humanitarian, Goodwill Ambassador honours in New York
‘We Won’t Go Back to Egypt’ — Showunmi rejects Atiku’s petrol subsidy proposal
NSCDC names new Niger commandant following death of miners in custody
ECOWAS court set to hold 2026 international conference in Dakar
Nigerians already seeing reductions in transport fares – Tinubu
PL: Brighton thrash Arsenal 3-0, end Gunners’ winning run
Sowore as best president Nigeria refuses to have: by Farooq A. Kperogi
‘Before lecturing Tinubu, you must answer questions from your past’ — Presidency to Atiku
Why EFCC must prosecute Atiku – Agbonayinma
NSCDC detains suspended Niger commandant, 21 officers over deaths of 37 miners
‘The Site Belongs To Babangida’ – Survivor links deaths of miners in NSCDC custody to ex-Military Ruler
Deji Adeyanju, Buhari others appointed as FG constitutes committee to probe NSCDC custody deaths (Full List)
Nigerian Army opens 92 regular recruits intake recruitment (Guide to Apply)
BREAKING: Court of Appeal overturns Lokoja ruling, upholds NDC’s registration
Atiku’s World Press Conference: Address on fuel prices, palliatives and the cost of living (FULL TEXT)
Nigerians already seeing reductions in transport fares – Tinubu
Soludo pardons native doctor Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, appoints him Youth Reformation Ambassador
Obi will honour his word, step down if Anambra debt claims are proven — Tanko
Tinubu may shun UN General Assembly in New York – Fresh details emerge
‘Life of Every Nigerian Matters’ — Tinubu orders probe into miners’ deaths in NSCDC custody
Don’t be ashamed, steal my idea and crash petrol price to reduce hardship for Nigerians — Atiku to Tinubu
I would resist alternative candidate sponsored against me as Governor – Orji Kalu speaks on Wike, APC Govs feud
Charly Boy celebrates daughter Adaeze’s engagement to female partner
Dangote IPO: ‘Don’t sell your house, usse school fees to buy shares’ — Emir Sanusi advises Nigerians
Gov. Bago imposes 24-Hour curfew in Minna after unrest over Miners’ deaths
Atiku to address World Press Conference in Abuja Today
