Reps suspend plenary for one week over unpaid contractors’ protest

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, suspended plenary for one week following a protest by indigenous contractors at the National Assembly.

The decision came after a motion of urgent public importance moved by Kabiru Maipalace (APC, Zamfara), who urged lawmakers to suspend sittings until the Federal Government fulfils its pledge to settle outstanding payments for contracts executed under the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

Earlier in the day, some contractors besieged and barricaded the entrance of the National Assembly over unpaid debts for executed projects, vowing to sustain their protest for seven days until their demands were met.

The blockade disrupted access to the premises, delaying the day’s plenary and creating tension among lawmakers.

During the session, members unanimously turned down four urgent motions before Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided, called for an emergency closed-door meeting to address the escalating situation.

After the executive session, the Minority Leader drew attention to the government’s failure to implement the 2024–2025 budget and its adverse impact on the economy, lamenting that despite several meetings with the Ministers of Finance and Budget, as well as assurances from President Bola Tinubu, contractors remained unpaid.

“Contractors—our brothers and sisters—are at the gate protesting that they have not been paid for jobs executed since 2024. We have engaged the Executive multiple times, but the promises made have not been kept,” he said.

He added that the non-payment of indigenous contractors had deepened economic hardship, increased poverty, and heightened public tension across the country

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 owed to local contractors and ensure full commencement of the 2025 budget implementation.

Maipalace thereafter moved a motion for an immediate adjournment of plenary for one week, arguing that the House should reconvene only after receiving updates on the payment directive.

Supporting the motion, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, Francis Waive, said, “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 then remarked, “So, you’re saying members arrived late today because the road was blocked by contractors, and you don’t want a repeat next week?”

Waive replied, “Definitely, Mr Speaker.”

The House unanimously adopted the motion, stepped down all items on Tuesday’s Order Paper, and adjourned plenary until next week.

The leadership was also mandated to engage with the Executive to ensure immediate resolution of the payment issue.