Gunshot As Protesting Contractors Block Finance Minister In Abuja

Tension erupted on Monday at the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja after protesting local contractors stopped the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, from entering the premises.

The protesters, operating under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), blocked the ministry’s gate over unpaid debts the federal government owes them.

When the minister arrived, security officials tried to clear a way for her to gain access, but the protesters resisted and refused to move.

They chanted loudly in unison, accusing the government of neglect and injustice, saying, “How many people government go kill ooo… how many people government go kill.”

During the confrontation, a gunshot was heard as security personnel attempted to disperse the crowd, causing further tension at the scene.

The contractors said they were protesting the government’s failure to pay for completed projects.

They also accused authorities of withholding funds allocated to their projects in the 2024 and 2025 budgets.

This was not the first time the group staged such protests. Last year, they held similar demonstrations at both the National Assembly complex and the finance ministry.

KanyiDaily also reported how police officers fired tearg as at contractors protesting over an alleged unpaid debt of N5.2 billion owed by the FCTA.