The Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria has threatened to stage a nationwide protest on November 3, 2025, over the Federal Government’s alleged refusal to pay for projects completed during the 2024 fiscal year.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Abuja, AICAN National President, Jackson Ifeanyi, condemned the situation as a “grave injustice” to indigenous contractors who had faithfully executed government-approved projects.

He alleged that the government not only failed to release payments for completed works but also went ahead to commission some of the projects without settling outstanding obligations.

Ifeanyi said members of the association had trusted the government’s assurance of payment upon completing their projects but were disappointed by the prolonged delay in disbursement.

“Unfortunately, the government has failed to honour these contractual agreements. AICAN can no longer endure this unfair treatment, which has left our members heavily indebted and financially crippled,” he said.

He stated that the protest would persist until the government settles its outstanding payments, adding that members would take to the streets to publicly highlight their demands.

Ifeanyi further cautioned members nationwide against engaging in any 2025 capital or recurrent projects unless mobilisation funds are provided upfront.

“We shall continue to speak against the continuous denial of long-standing payments deliberately withheld by the government,” Ifeanyi noted.

Also speaking, AICAN’s National General Secretary, Babatunde Seun, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently and ensure that indigenous contractors receive their payments without further delay.

the National Director of Planning, Research and Strategy, Stanley Agboni, stressed that the 2024 projects were lawfully executed and warranted prompt and fair compensation.

He urged the government to act swiftly, noting that while the association’s members remain patriotic and committed to national development, many are now under severe financial pressure due to the unpaid contracts.

“We are appealing to Mr President to intervene as a matter of urgency. Nigeria is our country, and we are doing everything possible to make it great,” Agboni said.

Recall, in June, the Federal Government announced plans to settle outstanding payments owed to contractors who had duly completed and verified projects across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.