Lawyers under the banner of the Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice on Thursday staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding the payment of outstanding debts owed to indigenous contractors for completed capital projects.
The lawyers, who were joined by members of the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, said the Federal Government is owing contractors an estimated ₦4 trillion for projects already executed across various ministries, departments and agencies.
The protest followed a series of demonstrations by contractors in recent weeks over unpaid claims, some of which disrupted activities at the ministry’s headquarters.
Speaking during the protest, the lawyers called for immediate action on the outstanding payments, noting that while some funds were released after earlier protests in December 2025, many contractors with verified claims were yet to receive full settlement.
In a statement issued after the protest and signed by Precious Okoh, the group said the delay in payments had subjected contractors and their families to severe financial hardship.
“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. Entire households have been uprooted, dreams shattered, and futures put in jeopardy because payments promised and earned have not been made,” Okoh said.
She added that the ripple effects of delayed payments extend beyond individual contractors, negatively impacting employment and economic activities within the construction sector.
“These contractors employ thousands of workers—masons, engineers and labourers—who depend on steady contracts for survival.
“When payments stall, jobs disappear, purchasing power drops, local markets suffer, and economic growth slows. A nation that starves its own builders starves itself of progress,” she said.
The lawyers also cited provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to support their demand.
“Section 15(5) of the Constitution requires the state to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.
“Section 16(2)(b) further obliges the state to manage resources in a manner that promotes the welfare and happiness of citizens. Settling verified contractor claims would inject vital capital into the economy and support national development,” Okoh stated.
The group called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the immediate release of funds for all verified contractor claims, warning that legal options, including court action to enforce contractual obligations, would be pursued if the matter remains unresolved.
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