Local contractors seek release of N760bn payment, plan peaceful protest
The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to release payment for completed 2024 capital projects valued at about N760 billion. Briefing newsmen in Abuja, the National President of AICAN, Jackson Ifeanyi, said many local contractors were experiencing financial strain after executing government projects with borrowed funds, based on […]
The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to release payment for completed 2024 capital projects valued at about N760 billion.
Briefing newsmen in Abuja, the National President of AICAN, Jackson Ifeanyi, said many local contractors were experiencing financial strain after executing government projects with borrowed funds, based on expectations of timely payment.
He explained that while several of the projects had been completed and, in some cases, commissioned, contractors were still awaiting payment.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to address this issue promptly. Many of our members are facing serious financial challenges. If the payments are not made before the end of this week, we may be compelled to hold peaceful demonstrations within the Federal Capital Territory to draw attention to our situation,” Ifeanyi said.
He added that AICAN had advised its members nationwide to avoid taking on new 2025 projects unless adequate mobilisation funds were released upfront.
According to the association, information from relevant government offices indicated that a warrant of N760 billion had been released for payment, though disbursement had not yet been effected.
Ifeanyi called on the National Assembly, civil society groups, and other oversight bodies to support efforts aimed at ensuring transparency and timely settlement of contractual obligations.
Also speaking, AICAN Vice President, Fredrick Agada, urged the government to continue promoting fairness and equal opportunity for both local and foreign contractors in project financing and execution.