There was tension at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Monday as protesting local contractors prevented Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, from entering the complex, Peak Newspaper reports
The demonstrators, under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), blocked the ministry gate to demand payment of debts owed by the federal government for completed projects.
Security personnel attempted to clear a path for the minister, but the protesters resisted, leading to a scuffle during which a gunshot was reportedly fired.
The contractors accused the government of failing to release funds allocated in the 2024/2025 budgets. Last year, they staged similar protests at the National Assembly and the ministry.
Peak Newspaper recalled that In December 2025, President Bola Tinubu set up a multi-ministerial committee, chaired by Finance Minister Wale Edun, to resolve the N1.5 trillion owed to federal contractors. Members include Atiku Bagudu, Tanimu Yakubu, Dave Umahi, Ahmed Dangiwa, and Zacch Adedeji of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
The Senate has also invited Edun to explain the circumstances surrounding the payment delays.
