Joan Nezi, Abuja
Abuja — The Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the payment off outstanding debts owed to indigenous contractors for projects executed in 2024.
At a press briefing in Abuja within the week, the association lamented the non-payment of completed contracts, some of which, according to them, have already been commissioned and are in active use by the Federal Government.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one of the trustees of the association stated that President Tinubu might not be fully aware of the dire situation faced by indigenous contractors, adding that the delay in payment had pushed many members into hardship.
“We believe Mr. President may not be aware of what is happening. Many of our members who executed projects in 2024 have not been paid, even for jobs that have already been commissioned. Some of our colleagues have died due to the pressure and frustration, while others are currently hospitalized,” the trustee said.
He appealed to President Tinubu to direct the Accountant-General of the Federation to release funds and clear the debts owed indigenous contractors, stressing that the continued delay was causing severe economic distress among small and medium-scale contractors who depend on government projects for survival.
The group also warned that it would sustain its peaceful protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) until the Federal Government fulfills its financial obligations.
“We are patriotic Nigerians. We only ask for what we have legitimately earned. Until our payments are made, we will continue our peaceful demonstrations here in the FCT,” the association declared.
The Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria reiterated its confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness and national development but maintained that urgent intervention was needed to prevent further losses and hardship among indigenous business owners.
