Lawyers Demonstrate at Finance Ministry Over Contractors' Debt

A collective of lawyers, organized under the banner of Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, staged a nonviolent protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Thursday to express their support for indigenous contractors owed an estimated N4 trillion for finalized capital projects.

The gathering, which aligned with the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), alleged that the ministry engaged in biased payment practices and partiality. The protesters demanded the resignation of Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance.

This demonstration comes on the heels of a series of protests by contractors in recent weeks that included blocking the ministry’s entrance, which impeded the minister from accessing her office and led to reports of security forces firing warning shots to disperse the crowds.

Contractors argue that although they received some partial payments following protests in December 2025, the bulk of the acknowledged debts remains unpaid, worsening their financial situations.

In an official statement released today, the lawyers characterized the ongoing issue as causing significant distress for contractors and their families.

The statement, signed by Barrister Precious Isi Okoh, highlighted instances where individuals who had borrowed against high-interest rates to finance projects are now facing asset seizures by banks, encompassing homes and vehicles, resulting in family disruptions and grave financial pressure.

Okoh underscored the broader implications of the unpaid debts, indicating that the delays have resulted in job losses for thousands of employees in the construction field and associated industries, hampering local economic activities and national progress.

He remarked, 'Contractors who took loans from banks at elevated interest rates to complete these projects are now in a cycle of defaults, experiencing relentless bank seizures of their homes, vehicles, and other essential assets.

'Families witness their primary earners collapsing into despair, with some reaching a point of severe mental distress or more tragic outcomes.

'All this turmoil uproots entire families, devastates dreams, and jeopardizes futures—all because the payments owed to them and rightfully earned have not been disbursed.

'Beyond personal anguish, the consequences significantly paralyze our national economy. These contractors employ multitudes—masons, engineers, laborers—who rely on consistent contracts for their livelihood.

'Should payments fail to materialize, jobs disappear, purchasing ability declines, local markets suffer, and economic advancement slows down. A nation that neglects its builders also neglects its own progress.

'We express profound disappointment in Finance Minister Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, whose office is directly accountable for releasing these funds. Instead of demonstrating leadership and compassion, her ministry has become synonymous with sluggishness and detachment. She needs to resign immediately.'

The lawyers referenced constitutional provisions to back their claims.

'According to Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the State must eliminate all corrupt acts and misuse of authority; withholding payments from citizens who have fulfilled their end of agreements is a blatant misuse that fosters distrust and despair,' the statement articulated.

'Additionally, Section 16(2)(b) obliges the State to utilize resources for the benefit and happiness of all citizens—prompt payments to these contractors would inject crucial capital back into the economy, thereby supporting families and driving development.'

They urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly to ensure prompt accountability and the immediate release of verified funds.

In closing, the lawyers cautioned that if immediate action is not forthcoming, they will seek legal avenues, including pursuing court enforcement of contractual rights, public interest litigation, and potentially requesting international oversight of the payment process.