The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, issued an ultimatum to the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation following a protest by indigenous contractors at the National Assembly.
The decision came after a motion of urgent public importance moved by Kabiru Maipalace (APC, Zamfara), who urged lawmakers to suspend sittings until the Federal Government fulfils its pledge to settle outstanding payments for contracts executed under the 2024 and 2025 budgets.
Following deliberations presided over by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the House issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation to settle all verified debts owed to local contractors and ensure full commencement of the 2025 budget implementation.
Maipalace thereafter moved a motion for an immediate adjournment of plenary for one week, arguing that the House should reconvene only after receiving updates on the payment directive.
The House unanimously adopted the motion, stepped down all items on Tuesday’s Order Paper, and adjourned plenary until next week. The leadership was also mandated to engage with the Executive to ensure immediate resolution of the payment issue.
Hours later, the House of Representatives reversed its decision to adjourn plenary. This followed positive developments arising from engagements and interventions across various levels of government concerning the contractors’ agitations and the non-release of funds under the 2024/2025 budget. This was formally conveyed via an internal memorandum by the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
