Gunshots fired as contractors block Finance Ministry over trillions in unpaid debts
Tension flared at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday after protesting contractors blocked access to the ministry over unpaid government contract debts, forcing security operatives to fire gunshots into the air to disperse the crowd.
The protesters, under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), barricaded the main entrance of the ministry, disrupting official activities and temporarily preventing the Minister of State for Finance from entering the premises.
Eyewitnesses said the protest turned chaotic when security personnel discharged warning shots, triggering panic among demonstrators and passers-by. No casualties were reported.
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The contractors alleged that the Federal Government owes indigenous firms more than ₦4 trillion for completed and verified projects across various ministries, departments, and agencies. They claimed that despite repeated assurances, only a fraction of the outstanding payments has been settled.
Speaking during the protest, leaders of the association said many local contractors are facing bankruptcy, loan defaults, and asset seizures due to the prolonged non-payment.
“Most of our members borrowed heavily to execute government contracts. Many businesses are collapsing because the government has failed to honour its obligations,” an AICAN official said.
The group warned that continued delays could worsen unemployment and further weaken the local construction and services sectors.
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Security was later reinforced around the ministry as the protesters were dispersed.
As of the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Finance had not issued an official response to the contractors’ claims or the incident.
The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations by indigenous contractors, who have previously staged similar actions at the National Assembly and other government offices over unpaid debts.
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