Operations at the National Assembly were disrupted on Wednesday as aggrieved local contractors, lawyers, and civil society activists barricaded major entry and exit points of the complex in Abuja.
The protest stems from an alleged N3 trillion debt owed to contractors by the Federal Government.
The blockade halted vehicular movement from the Assembly gate through the Federal Secretariat axis, forcing lawmakers, staff, and visitors to seek alternative access routes. Plenary and committee activities were reportedly delayed.
Jackson Nwosu, National President of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, said the protest was necessary after years of unmet promises.
“We are here because the Federal Government refused to pay contractors. We have been pushing for payment since 2024. They are owing our association alone over N3 trillion,” he stated.
Nwosu added that despite several meetings with senior officials, including the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, no resolution had been reached. Protesters vowed to maintain the blockade “for as long as it takes” until payments are received.
The House of Representatives responded by convening a closed-door executive session, lasting over two hours, to deliberate on the escalating unrest.
Discussions reportedly focused on the contractors’ grievances and their implications for legislative business.
The protest marks the second consecutive day of demonstrations, which have led to traffic lockdowns across the Three Arms Zone.
