Tinubu has directed payment of protesting indigenous contractors, says Philip Agbese

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says President Bola Tinubu has directed Wale Edun, minister of finance, and Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, accountant-general of the federation, to commence payment to indigenous contractors for executed projects.

BACKGROUND

Last Tuesday, the house of representatives, suspended plenary for one week after the indigenous contractors besieged the national assembly complex to demand payment of contract sums owed by the federal government.

The protesting contractors accused the federal government of refusing to release the funds earmarked in the 2024/2025 budgets.

However, the lower legislative chamber later rescinded its decision to suspend the plenary, attributing it to “positive developments arising from engagements” with the federal government.

The non-release of the capital components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets has angered lawmakers who say they are unable to fund their constituency projects amid mounting pressure from constituents.

‘TINUBU HAS DIRECTED RELEASE OF FUNDS’

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, Agbese said Tinubu’s directive has doused lawmakers’ frustration.

“The frustration expressed by some of our colleagues was genuine. Many projects across the country, especially constituency projects, were stalled due to the non-release of funds,” he said.

“This also affected indigenous contractors who had executed 2024 capital projects but were yet to be paid. The contractors’ protest was an unfortunate reflection of the economic pressure they were under.

“Some lamented that the non-payment had forced them to sell their properties or shut down their businesses.

“The house took their grievances seriously and immediately engaged the executive to resolve the matter. The intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was decisive.

“Mr President directed the minister of finance, Wale Edun, and the accountant-general of the federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, to commence immediate payment to contractors.

“We have received confirmation that some of these payments are already being made. This singular action by the president helped douse rising tempers and restore normalcy within the house.”

Agbese described Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house, as a “truthful and patriotic leader who believes in dialogue, not division”.