Lawyers Protest Non-Payment Of Contractors’ Debts At Finance Ministry

Hundreds of legal practitioners, under the aegis of Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, have, in solidarity with indigenous contractors owed about N4 trillion for completed capital projects, protested at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja.

The group, in collaboration with the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), accused the ministry of selective payments and favouritism.

It demanded the resignation of the minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite.

Their action yesterday followed repeated protests by contractors in recent weeks, including blockades of the ministry’s entrance that prevented the minister from accessing her office and led to reports of security personnel firing shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

The contractors claimed that despite partial disbursements after demonstrations in December 2025, the majority of verified debts remain unsettled, exacerbating financial hardship.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the lawyers described the situation as causing widespread distress among the contractors and their families.

The statement, signed by Barrister Precious Isi Okoh, highlighted cases in which individuals who borrowed at high interest rates to fund projects now face bank asset seizures, including homes and vehicles, leading to family disruptions and severe economic strain.

Okoh emphasised the broader impact, noting that stalled payments have resulted in job losses for thousands of workers in construction and related sectors, reduced local economic activity, and hindered national development.

He added, “Contractors who borrowed from banks at high interest rates to fund these projects now face relentless loan defaults, with banks seizing homes, vehicles and other assets.”Wives and children watch their breadwinners sink into despair, some pushed to the brink of mental breakdown or worse.

“Entire households have been uprooted, dreams shattered and futures stolen—all because payments promised and earned have not been made.

“Beyond individual suffering, the ripple effects cripple our national economy. These contractors employ thousands of workers—masons, engineers, labourers—who depend on steady contracts for survival.

“When payments stall, jobs vanish, purchasing power drops, local markets suffer, and economic growth grinds to a halt. A nation that starves its own builders starves itself of progress.

“We are profoundly disappointed with the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, whose office bears direct responsibility for releasing these funds. Instead of showing leadership and empathy, her ministry has become a symbol of delay and detachment. She must resign now,” he said.

The lawyers cited constitutional provisions to support their position.

“Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires the State to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power—yet withholding earned payments from citizens who delivered is a clear abuse that breeds distrust and hardship,” the statement read.

“Section 16(2)(b) further obliges the State to manage resources for the maximum welfare and happiness of every citizen—payments to these contractors would inject vital capital back into the economy, supporting families and fuelling development.”

They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly to ensure accountability and the prompt full release of verified funds.