Security operatives attached to the minister reportedly attempted to clear a passage for her, but the protesters resisted and formed a human barricade, refusing to give way.
Angry local contractors on Monday blocked the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, from gaining access to her office over alleged unpaid debts owed by the Bola Tinubu-led government.
The protesters barricaded the main gate of the ministry, preventing staff and visitors from entering the complex.
Upon the minister’s arrival, the contractors chanted slogans expressing frustration over prolonged delays in payment, with some placards and chants criticizing what they described as government inaction.
Security operatives attached to the minister reportedly attempted to clear a passage for her, but the protesters resisted and formed a human barricade, refusing to give way.
Tension escalated during the standoff when a gunshot was heard after security personnel fired into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowd, causing panic among the demonstrators.
A leader of the contractors, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, alleged that the minister’s driver attempted to run over a protester who was lying on the ground during the confrontation.
The protesters, operating under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), are demanding the payment of outstanding debts they say the Federal Government owed them for completed projects.
According to the group, funds earmarked in the 2024 and 2025 budgets for their verified contract payments are yet to be released.
They further alleged that many of their members are facing bank defaults, asset seizures, and worsening cash-flow challenges as a result of the delayed payments.
The association said it has, over time, staged several protests at the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly complex to draw attention to the unpaid contractual obligations.
A Senate committee is also said to have engaged relevant authorities to seek explanations for the delays, but the contractors claim no concrete outcome has been achieved.
The protesters vowed to continue occupying the ministry premises until their demands are met.