Deputy Speaker of the House of RepresentativesHon. Benjamin Kalu has successfully mediated an end to the dispute between the Federal Government and the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria, following months of delayed payments that led to protests in Abuja.
Appointed by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas as Chairman of the House Special Committee on Budget Implementation, Kalu convened an expanded meeting with over 80 contractors and key government officials to address the standoff.
The high-level meeting, held in Abuja, included the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi; and members of the House Committees on Appropriation and Finance.
After more than four hours of deliberation, Kalu announced that a mutual agreement had been reached and that payments to the contractors will commence on Monday, after the public holiday.
Speaking after the meeting, Kalu emphasized the importance of dialogue in resolving national issues:
“We cut short our recess to address this urgent matter. I thank Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for the trust placed in me and commend the federal officials for their commitment to finding a solution.”
He added that the government had already begun implementing agreed resolutions and that a follow-up meeting is scheduled for September 21 to assess progress.
Finance Minister Wale Edun confirmed the outcome, commending Kalu’s leadership:
“Today’s meeting under Deputy Speaker Kalu’s leadership was a success. A clear timeline was set, and all stakeholders left assured that payments would begin next week. We have developed an orderly, systematic plan to clear outstanding debts.”
He further noted that following Friday’s public holiday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would resume operations on Monday, and disbursements would begin immediately.
Echoing this, Accountant-General Shamseldeen Ogunjimi stated:
“Payments to contractors will start dropping from Monday. We’ve been making payments and will continue doing so.”
Leaders of the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria welcomed the resolution, commending the Deputy Speaker for his proactive intervention. They confirmed their decision to suspend protests, saying the outcome demonstrated the power of open engagement.
Kalu praised the federal officials involved for showing “humility and diligence” in tackling the crisis, while also reaffirming the National Assembly’s role in protecting economic interests and ensuring transparency in governance.
“We had over four hours of open, honest engagement, and everyone left smiling. That’s the power of working together,” he said.
