FG’s delayed payments threaten Tuesday Reps session

File: House of Representatives

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Uncertainty has surrounded the House of Representatives’ plenary scheduled for Tuesday, December 16, 2025, following the Federal Government’s failure to meet its contractual obligations to local contractors who executed projects under the 2024 and 2025 budget cycles.

This comes a week after the Green Chamber held a closed-door session with the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi; and the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, during which lawmakers criticised the implementation of the capital components of the two budgets.

Over the past two months, local contractors have staged peaceful demonstrations at the National Assembly Complex, demanding payment for completed projects. Despite the House leadership setting up an intervention committee, the stalemate persists.

On December 9, the House resolved that it would not consider the 2026 Appropriation Bill once transmitted by President Bola Tinubu until the Federal Government clears all outstanding debts owed to the contractors. The lawmakers also stepped down consideration of 42 bills slated for first, second, and third readings.

Four committee reports on bills proposing agricultural colleges and specialised institutions in Kaduna, Edo, and other states were likewise deferred.

The planned consideration of the constitution review report submitted two weeks earlier was also suspended.

In what appeared to be a last-minute attempt to avert a legislative standoff, Ogunjimi pledged to clear the outstanding payments within 48 hours. However, the deadline elapsed on Friday without contractors receiving any payment—an outcome that could significantly shape Tuesday’s plenary.

Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, a member representing Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State, Billy Osawaru, expressed disappointment that the pledge was not fulfilled but noted that lawmakers were still expecting action from the executive.

“Promise made has not been met, but we are continuing our engagement with the executive arm,” Osawaru said.

Asked whether the House would make good its threat to halt consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill, Osawaru said the situation remained unpredictable.

“I am not sure what the outcome will be since we are still expecting the Accountant-General to act,” he added.

Similarly, Mansur Soro, who represents Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State, confirmed that contractors were yet to be paid.

“The pledge has not been kept,” Soro stated, adding that, “further engagement between House and executive should be confirmed by the House spokesman or its leadership.”

Efforts to obtain an official position from the House through its spokespersons, Akin Rotimi and Philip Agbese, were unsuccessful, as both lawmakers did not respond to inquiries.

The Federal Government’s delayed payment to local contractors traces back to persistent budget implementation challenges in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years.

Dirisu, has over 12 years experience covering political parties, National Assembly, sports, transportation, etc, and currently works with The PUNCH

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