About 500 lawyers, under the aegis of Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, demonstrated at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Thursday in solidarity with indigenous contractors owed an estimated N4 trillion for completed capital projects.
The group, collaborating with Enough is Enough Movement and All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), accused the ministry of selective payments and favouritism, and demanded the resignation of Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
The action 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 crowds.
Contractors claim that despite partial disbursements after demonstrations in December 2025, the majority of verified debts remain unsettled, exacerbating financial hardship.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the lawyers described the situation as causing widespread distress among contractors and their families.
The statement signed by Barrister Precious Okoh highlighted cases where individuals who borrowed at high interest rates to fund projects now faced asset seizures by banks, including homes and vehicles, leading to family disruptions and severe economic strain.
Okoh emphasised the broader impact, stating 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.”
Okoh added, “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.”
The lawyers cited constitutional provisions to support their position.
The statement said, “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.
“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 fueling development.”
The lawyers called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly to ensure accountability and prompt full release of verified funds.
They warned that without swift action, they would pursue legal remedies, including court enforcement of contractual rights and public interest litigation, and seek international monitoring of the payment process.
Chuks Okocha
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