The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has warned it may stage a protest at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention in Abuja over delayed government payments.
AICAN National President Jackson Nwosu made the announcement Tuesday during a resumed protest in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of ₦150 billion owed to contractors for verified federal projects. He noted that while ₦21 billion has been paid, over ₦1 trillion remains outstanding.
“Our immediate demand is that ₦150 billion be released within 48 hours,” Nwosu said, warning that continued delays could disrupt members’ participation in the APC convention.
Seun Babatunde, another association official, highlighted the severe financial strain on contractors due to unpaid debts. He said delays have hampered business operations, loan repayments, and project execution, citing a member who reportedly died while owed more than ₦100 million.
AICAN members have repeatedly protested in Abuja over unpaid contracts executed in 2024 and 2025. Although the 2026 budget allocated ₦1.7 trillion for verified contractors and ₦100 billion for other local contractors, disbursement has been slower than expected.
Government officials insist payments undergo verification and compliance checks to ensure transparency. In January, ₦152 billion had reportedly been released for verified contracts. Former Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, stressed that verification is essential for accountability, while President Bola Tinubu directed that payments to indigenous contractors be prioritised.
