Tension erupted on Monday at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja as local contractors staged another protest over alleged unpaid debts owed by the Federal Government.
The protesters, operating under the aegis of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), blocked the main entrance of the ministry, preventing movement in and out of the premises.
Trouble started when the Minister of State for Finance, Uzoka-Anite, arrived at the ministry. Security operatives attempted to force a passage for her into the building, a move that was strongly resisted by the demonstrators.
According to The Cable, the situation degenerated into a scuffle, during which a gunshot was heard as security personnel tried to disperse the crowd.
The contractors accused the Federal Government of repeatedly shifting its position on the settlement of outstanding debts, noting that the delays have stalled the completion and commissioning of several projects across the country.
According to them, many projects that were fully executed, and in some cases already commissioned by government officials, remain unpaid.
They insisted that their demands had lingered despite several assurances from authorities.
The latest demonstration is a continuation of similar protests staged last year, during which the contractors demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding obligations owed by the Federal Government.
In December 2025, Bola Tinubu directed that a committee be set up to address the grievances of contractors and verify outstanding claims.
Similarly, the Senate also constituted a committee and invited the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged non-payment of the debts.