Abuja — December 2, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Hundreds of local contractors under the banner All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) this morning laid siege to the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding immediate payment of ₦760 billion they say the federal government promised but has failed to deliver.
Placard-waving contractors blocked the main entrance of the finance ministry, chanting slogans such as “Pay our money,” “Stop broken promises,” and “No payment, no peace.” Their leader, AICAN’s Secretary-General, Babatunde Oyeniyi, told journalists the protest was triggered by repeated delays despite assurances from the Finance Minister that the payment would be concluded after the association paused an earlier demonstration on November 6, following intervention by the House of Representatives.
“At the last meeting, we were promised the first tranche of ₦760 billion,” Oyeniyi said. “So far, we have received no funds, only excuses and paper warrants.
The contractors claim the government which they say owes “over ₦4 trillion” for project contracts completed in 2024 had earlier directed them to furnish performance certificates before payments would be released. Yet, they argue those requirements were satisfied.
Security around the ministry gate remained tense for several hours, with a heavy presence of police officers. The protest caused serious disruption to activities at and around the ministry’s precinct. As of press time, there was no official statement from the Finance Minister.