By Joan Nezi, Abuja
In a surprising twist to a week of mounting tension, the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria (AICAN) has suspended its planned extension of peaceful protests across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Abuja.
The group had earlier vowed to take its demonstrations to major government offices over non-payment for 2024 projects executed by its members.
However, in what appears to be a significant breakthrough, the contractors have decided to give the Federal Government the benefit of the doubt following direct presidential intervention.
In an exclusive interview with AWC News, the National President of the association, Chief Ifeanyi Jackson, confirmed that the protest was being put on hold after credible assurances from the Presidency and the National Assembly.
According to him, the Senate had met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the lingering issue, prompting a presidential directive to the Minister of Finance, Chief Wale Edu to urgently resolve the matter.
“We have received firm assurances from the Senate and the Presidency that the issue of outstanding payments is now receiving top priority. The President has directed the Minister of Finance to handle the matter, and I am already in communication with the Minister,” Chief Jackson told AWC’s senior correspondent.
He disclosed that the Minister of Finance had assured him that within one week, a substantial portion of the funds owed to the contractors would be released.
AWC gathered that, buoyed by this development, the association has instructed its members to remain calm and prepare for the recommencement of 2025 project mobilizations, which are expected to kick off in the coming weeks.
Chief Jackson emphasized that while the association remains hopeful of a speedy resolution, the contractors will not hesitate to resume protests if the government fails to meet its commitments within the promised timeframe.
“We are hopeful this time that government will walk the talk. But if in one week there is no visible progress, our members will return to the streets and to the gates of the MDAs. We have been patient enough, but we believe in dialogue and accountability,” he added.
The development marks a cautious relief for both the government and the contractors, who have been at odds for months over unpaid debts for completed 2024 public works.
Observers note that the latest intervention underscores the Tinubu administration’s effort to rebuild trust with local contractors and stabilize ongoing infrastructural projects critical to Nigeria’s economic recovery.
— AWC News
