The House of Representatives has suspended plenary for one week following a massive protest by indigenous contractors who stormed the National Assembly over unpaid debts running into billions of naira.
The decision came after a motion of urgent public importance was moved by Kabiru Maipalace (APC, Zamfara), who urged lawmakers to halt proceedings until the Federal Government settles outstanding payments for contracts executed under the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Earlier on Tuesday, hundreds of contractors besieged the main entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, blocking access roads and preventing lawmakers and staff from entering the premises. The protest caused delays and heightened tension within the legislative complex as security operatives struggled to control the crowd.
During the plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, was forced to call an emergency closed-door meeting after four motions of urgent importance were rejected due to the tense atmosphere. The Minority Leader, while addressing the chamber, criticized the government for failing to release funds for completed projects despite multiple engagements with the Ministers of Finance and Budget and assurances from President Bola Tinubu himself.
“Contractors; our brothers and sisters are at the gate protesting because they have not been paid for jobs executed since 2024. We have met the Executive several times, yet the promises remain unfulfilled,” he lamented, warning that the delay had worsened poverty, crippled small businesses, and deepened economic hardship nationwide.
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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.
Moving for adjournment, Maipalace argued that the House should not continue plenary while Nigerian contractors are left in distress. His motion was supported by Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business, who said, “During this one week, the contractors have vowed to make this place inaccessible. It is only reasonable for us to step aside and allow the Executive to act.”
Deputy Speaker Kalu, responding with concern, asked, “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 subsequently adopted the motion and adjourned plenary until next week, marking one of the most dramatic sessions in recent times as the National Assembly faces mounting pressure over unpaid contractual obligations.
