Contractors APC protest debt threat as AICAN demands N150bn payment, warning of action at party convention in Abuja

The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria on Tuesday threatened to stage a protest at the upcoming national convention of the All Progressives Congress over alleged unpaid debts owed to its members by the Federal Government.

Also read: APC Intensifies South-West Congress Preparations

The warning was issued in Abuja on March 24, 2026, by AICAN National President, Jackson Nwosu, during the resumption of the contractors’ protest, where he demanded the immediate payment of N150bn within 48 hours.

Nwosu said the contractors APC protest debt demand stems from earlier commitments made by the government following protests between December 2025 and January 2026, adding that only N21bn had been paid so far.

“For AICAN members, the government has only paid N21bn within this period. What is remaining to be paid is over N1tn, but what we are discussing as the immediate payment we need is N150bn,” he said.

He warned that failure to meet the demand could disrupt the APC national convention scheduled to hold in Abuja from March 27 to 28.

“We will stage our protest at the APC convention venue. We will be there and make sure it is known to the world that this government is deceptive,” Nwosu added.

According to him, discussions are ongoing with officials of the Ministry of Finance, with expectations that payments would be made directly into contractors’ accounts.

Also speaking, AICAN National Secretary, Babatunde Seun, said members were increasingly frustrated by what he described as repeated delays and unmet commitments.

Seun attributed part of the delay to the extension of the 2024 budget implementation cycle, noting that no additional payments had been made since January.

He alleged that the financial strain had severe consequences for members, including cases where contractors were unable to access critical medical care due to unpaid debts.

Seun further claimed that attempts to channel the payments through the Debt Management Office would be resisted by the association, insisting on direct settlement.

The group maintained that the total outstanding debt owed to indigenous contractors stands at approximately N1.15tn, urging the Federal Government to prioritise the immediate release of the requested funds.

Also read: APC Intensifies South-West Congress Preparations

The contractors APC protest debt threat adds pressure ahead of the ruling party’s convention, with observers noting that any disruption could carry political and reputational implications.