Gunshots Fired As Protesters Block Minister from Entering the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu Democracy Newsline on January 19, 2026.
The protesters, operating under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), converged early in the morning to press home their demand for the immediate settlement of outstanding debts allegedly owed to them by the federal government.
Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Pay Contractors, Save the Economy” and “No Payment, No Peace,” the demonstrators barricaded the ministry’s gate, bringing activities in the area to a near standstill.
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Trouble escalated when Uzoka-Anite arrived at the premises. Security operatives attached to the ministry attempted to force a passage through the crowd to enable the minister enter the building. The move was fiercely resisted by the protesters, leading to a brief scuffle. In the confusion, a gunshot rang out, causing panic and forcing both protesters and civil servants to momentarily scamper for safety.
Although no injuries were immediately reported, the incident heightened fears about the growing tension surrounding the dispute.
Speaking to journalists at the scene, AICAN leaders accused the federal government of deliberately refusing to pay contractors for projects already executed across various sectors of the economy. They claimed that many of their members had taken loans to finance government contracts and were now struggling under mounting debt, rising interest rates, and worsening economic conditions.
The contractors further alleged that funds appropriated for their payments in the 2024 and 2025 budgets had not been released, despite repeated assurances from government officials. According to them, the delays have forced some indigenous companies out of business, while others have laid off workers or abandoned project sites.
“This is not a new problem,” one protest leader said. “We have written letters, attended meetings, and followed all due processes. Yet, the government continues to ignore us while our businesses collapse.”
The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations by local contractors. Last year, AICAN members staged similar protests at the National Assembly Complex and the Ministry of Finance, demanding legislative and executive intervention to address the growing debt burden.
In response to mounting pressure, President Bola Tinubu in December 2025 constituted a multi-ministerial committee to address the issue of outstanding payments to federal contractors, estimated at about ₦1.5 trillion. The committee is chaired by Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, and includes Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning; Tanimu Yakubu, director-general of the budget office; Dave Umahi, minister of works; Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development; and Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Despite the committee’s formation, contractors say there has been little progress, accusing the government of foot-dragging. The matter has also drawn the attention of the National Assembly, with a senate committee inviting Edun to clarify the circumstances surrounding the prolonged payment delays and to explain steps being taken to resolve the crisis.
As of Monday afternoon, security around the ministry was reinforced, while negotiations were reportedly ongoing to persuade the protesters to vacate the premises. However, the contractors insist they will not back down until concrete commitments—backed by clear timelines—are made by the federal government.
The incident underscores growing frustration among indigenous contractors and highlights the broader challenge facing the government as it grapples with fiscal constraints, budget implementation delays, and rising public discontent over unpaid obligations.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 19TH 2026)
