ABUJA – For the second consecutive day, contractors claiming unpaid dues for work done for the National Assembly barricaded the complex’s main entrance on Wednesday, causing significant disruption and prompting the House of Representatives to convene an extended closed-door session to address the escalating situation.
The protest prevented lawmakers, staff, and visitors from accessing the building for hours, creating a major gridlock in the Three Arms Zone and stranding many outside the gates.
The House, which resumed plenary amidst the chaos, immediately moved into a private executive session to deliberate on the matter. The session, which began in the main chamber, lasted approximately two hours before lawmakers relocated to continue their discussions behind closed doors in Room 028, underscoring the sensitivity of the talks.
While the specific details of the deliberations were not disclosed, it is widely believed that resolving the standoff with the aggrieved contractors was a primary focus. The contractors had on Tuesday staged an initial protest, barricading the entrance and demanding payment for projects they had executed for the legislative body.
The continued demonstration highlights mounting tensions over public sector debt and its impact on government operations. Despite earlier assurances from the National Assembly that their grievances would be addressed, the contractors returned Wednesday, signaling a breakdown in negotiations and intensifying pressure on the legislature.
The House is expected to resume its public legislative agenda following the conclusion of the executive session. However, the protest has cast a spotlight on the administration of the National Assembly and its financial obligations to service providers.
