FG to Begin Payment of Indigenous Contractors After Benjamin Kalu’s Intervention
By Amanabo Ocholi, Abuja
The Nigerian Government will commence long-awaited payments to indigenous contractors on Monday, following a breakthrough facilitated by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
The development comes after months of arrears triggered protests in Abuja by contractors demanding settlement of debts.
Acting as Chairman of the House Special Committee on Budget Implementation, Kalu convened a high-level meeting with over 80 contractors, Finance Minister Wale Edun, Accountant-General of the Federation Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, and other senior officials.
The four-hour dialogue produced a structured plan for the immediate disbursement of funds and a framework for addressing backlogs in phases.
Contractors welcomed the move, saying it averted further disruption and demonstrated the value of constructive dialogue in resolving economic disputes.
“We had over four hours’ engagement and they left here smiling. We got the strategy in place, and we’re going to come back on the 21st of this month to review what we’ve done so far,” Kalu said, thanking House Speaker Tajudeen Abass for backing the intervention.
Finance Minister Edun confirmed that a timetable had been drawn up.
“Under the leadership of Benjamin Kalu, a timeline was agreed, and payments will commence immediately after the Central Bank reopens on Monday,” he stated.
Accountant-General Ogunjimi also reaffirmed the government’s commitment:
“This process is ongoing. We’ve been paying contractors, and we will continue. From Monday, payments will start dropping.”
The Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria commended Kalu’s intervention and pledged to suspend their protests in light of the government’s commitments.
