The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, PhD, CFR, has successfully intervened in the lingering crisis between the Federal Government and indigenous contractors, paving the way for long-awaited payments to begin next week.
The breakthrough followed weeks of tension after contractors, owed for several months, staged a protest in Abuja over unpaid funds.
Kalu, recently appointed Chairman of the House Special Committee on Budget Implementation by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, PhD, GCON, convened an expanded meeting on Thursday with more than 80 contractors and their leadership, alongside key government officials.
In attendance were the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, and other top government functionaries.
After a marathon four-hour deliberation, all parties reached an agreement described as “mutually beneficial.” Kalu announced that payments to contractors would commence from Monday, September 8, 2025. 
“This resolution demonstrates the power of dialogue in addressing national challenges,” Kalu said, thanking Speaker Abbas and his colleagues for entrusting him with the responsibility. He also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing officials who, in his words, “have shown humility and diligence in service.”
Kalu disclosed that another review meeting has been scheduled for September 21 to evaluate progress and ensure full implementation of the agreement.
Finance Minister Edun, who commended the Deputy Speaker’s leadership, assured contractors that the backlog would be cleared systematically.
“After Friday’s holiday, the Central Bank will reopen on Monday and payments will commence immediately,” Edun confirmed, stressing that an orderly procedure for disbursement has been mapped out.
The Accountant-General, Mr. Ogunjimi, echoed the assurance, noting that the payment process was ongoing and that contractors would begin receiving funds next week.
In their response, the leadership of the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria expressed satisfaction with the resolutions and pledged to suspend further protests.
The intervention, observers say, has averted potential disruptions to economic activities and reinforced the role of the legislature in bridging gaps between government agencies and citizens.
LV