The House of Representatives has directed the Federal government to effect an immediate payment of outstanding debts owed to local contractors and ensure full implementation of the 2025 budget.
In a resolution adopted on Tuesday, the House directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamsudeen Ogunjimi, to enforce compliance with its directives.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, after a protest by the indigenous contractors disrupted movement in and out of the National Assembly complex. The contractors, who accused the government of failing to honour payment commitments, barricaded entrances, leaving lawmakers and staff stranded.
Chinda informed the House that the leadership had already held separate meetings with the ministers involved and subsequently briefed President Bola Tinubu. According to him, the President ordered immediate payment to the affected contractors, stressing that failure to comply with the presidential directive undermined both governance and public confidence.
Adopting the motion, the House directed the finance and budget authorities to, within seven days, settle all verified debts owed to local contractors to avert further disruption of activities at the National Assembly and other public institutions. Lawmakers warned that they would not hesitate to invoke stronger legislative powers should the directive be ignored.
The House further expressed concern over the growing frustration among indigenous contractors, many of whom claim their businesses and livelihoods have been crippled by prolonged payment delays. Members argued that clearing the debts would stimulate economic activity, support job creation and reinforce confidence in government procurement processes.
In a show of solidarity, the House also adopted a motion by Zamfara lawmaker, Ahmadu Mai Palace, calling for adjournment over what he described as the “continued humiliation” caused by the protest. The motion was seconded by Francis Waive, Chairman of the Rules and Business Committee, who stated that contractors had threatened to sustain and intensify their blockade over the next week.
Waive noted that the protest had disrupted normal legislative business and could worsen if the government failed to respond promptly. He warned that the persistent blockade of the National Assembly complex amounted to a security concern and risked impeding national governance.
Lawmakers emphasised that the grievances of the contractors were legitimate, as most had completed government-approved projects and were awaiting payment long overdue. They insisted that the executive must prioritise the settlement of local obligations as part of broader economic reforms.
The House also urged Federal ministries, departments and agencies to desist from awarding fresh contracts until existing obligations were cleared, stressing the need for fiscal discipline and adherence to approved budgetary provisions.