Contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) have staged a dramatic protest at the Finance Ministry headquarters in Abuja, placing a coffin at the entrance to draw attention to unpaid debts owed by the federal government.
The protest, which began on Tuesday and is set to continue non-stop, is a demonstration of the contractors’ frustration over what they describe as government negligence that is threatening their businesses. The group accused the federal government of trying to push indigenous contractors out of business.
Speaking with Daily Trust, an executive of AICAN explained that the coffin was brought to symbolise the deaths of members connected to the ongoing financial stress. “Even last week we buried a member, Abdulganiyu. This has been going on for a long time, and it’s unacceptable. We lost six members recently due to high blood pressure,” he said.
The association said that delays in settling government contracts have put severe strain on contractors’ finances, affecting not only their businesses but also their health and well-being. AICAN members vowed to maintain their protest until their grievances are addressed.
The protest highlights the growing tension between indigenous contractors and the federal government, particularly regarding unpaid debts that many claim are jeopardising livelihoods and the survival of local businesses.
