The president of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), Jackson Nwosu, says negotiations are ongoing between protesting contractors and the federal government over outstanding debts.

Mr Nwosu told journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, after a meeting between AICAN officials and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, that discussions with the government had commenced in earnest.

Contractors resumed protests on March 24, demanding the immediate payment of N150 billion out of the N1.15 trillion they claim the federal government owes them.

According to the contractors, the debt represents outstanding balances for capital projects executed across various states, including the Federal Capital Territory, in 2024.

Mr Nwosu described the outcome of the meeting as encouraging, expressing optimism that the government would fulfil its commitments.

He said the federal government had proposed to pay 35 per cent of the N150 billion being demanded immediately, with the balance to be paid in phases in the coming weeks.

“The outcome of our meeting with the Minister was positive. However, we hope the government will honour its commitments,” he said.

Mr Nwosu added that contractors had been directed to obtain their batch numbers from relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), although he noted that the timeline given was too short.

He further explained that contractors without valid batch numbers would be required to obtain new warrants, as previous batch numbers had been updated for the new fiscal year.

“We have been asked to inform our members to get their batch numbers from the MDAs. Those without them will need to obtain new warrants. That is the current position, and we hope to see progress soon,” he said. 

(NAN)