AICAN Plans Protest Over Unpaid Government Contracts
The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has announced plans to protest at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention in Abuja, driven by outstanding government debt that totals N150 billion. This warning comes as AICAN resumes its advocacy efforts in the Federal Capital Territory, with National President Jackson Nwosu urging the federal government to urgently address the outstanding obligations owed to its member states.
This demand follows months of negotiations between AICAN and the federal government concerning delayed payments for contracts awarded to indigenous contractors in crucial sectors such as infrastructure, power, and industrial development. The association previously organized a nationwide protest from December 2025 to January 2026, which resulted in only N21 billion being disbursed to contractors, leaving over N1 trillion in unpaid debts. The association highlights that these delays are inflicting severe financial distress on its members, many of whom have been compelled to shelve projects or endure personal hardships, including severe medical crises.
AICAN estimates that an immediate payment of NOK 150 billion is essential to ensure that contractors can sustain their businesses and avoid further financial difficulties. In a statement from his media assistant, Nwosu emphasized that this request is aligned with previous agreements made between AICAN and government officials. He noted, “The government has only disbursed N21 billion during this time, while over N1 trillion remains unpaid.” The stakes are high; Nwosu warned that the upcoming national congress of the ruling party could face disruption if the government does not meet this demand within the next 48 hours.
Further amplifying concerns, AICAN’s national secretary, Babatunde Sun, voiced frustration regarding the ongoing delays and unmet promises. He revealed that several members are suffering due to these unpaid debts, with tragic losses occurring as a result. “We recently lost a member who was owed more than N100 million. Had he received payment, his medical condition might have been treated,” Sun lamented. He also criticized the government for attempting to redirect contractors to the Debt Management Office, a proposition AICAN firmly rejects.
Although the total debt owed stands at around N1.15 trillion, AICAN insists that the immediate priority is the resolution of the N150 billion. Sun appealed to the federal government to prioritize payments to indigenous contractors over political activities, stating, “Our appeal is straightforward: pay N150 billion now. The government needs to fulfill its obligations before pursuing other initiatives.”
As the situation escalates, AICAN members are steadfast in their resolve; they have warned that continued neglect of their demands may compel them to carry out planned protests during the APC convention. They assert that without appropriate action from the government, the success of the convention could be jeopardized.
