About 500 lawyers on Thursday stormed the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to protest alleged selective payment of debts owed to indigenous contractors in the country.

The lawyers, operating under the banner of Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, demonstrated in solidarity with indigenous contractors owed an estimated ₦4 trillion for completed capital projects across the country.

The protest, organised in collaboration with the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), follows weeks of mounting tension at the ministry over unpaid verified claims.

Addressing journalists during the protest, the lawyers accused the finance ministry of deliberately withholding payments while allegedly favouring selected contractors, a situation they said has plunged many indigenous firms into severe financial distress.

The action comes amid repeated protests by contractors in recent weeks, including blockades of the ministry’s entrance that reportedly prevented the minister from accessing her office. Some of the demonstrations were said to have been dispersed by security personnel who allegedly fired shots into the air.

Contractors claim that although partial payments were made after protests in December 2025, the bulk of the verified debts remain unpaid, worsening hardship for businesses and their employees.

Led by Barrister Precious Isi Okoh, the lawyers described the situation as a humanitarian and economic crisis, noting that many contractors borrowed funds at high interest rates to execute government projects.

According to them, several contractors are now facing asset seizures by banks, including homes and vehicles, while families have been displaced and livelihoods destroyed.

“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,” Okoh said.

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

“The lawyers warned that the impact goes beyond individual contractors, noting that thousands of workers in construction and allied sectors have lost jobs, local economies have suffered, and national development has been stalled.

They expressed profound disappointment in the Minister of State for Finance, insisting that her office is directly responsible for releasing funds and accusing her of failing to demonstrate leadership and empathy.

“We are profoundly disappointed with the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite. Her ministry has become a symbol of delay and detachment.

She must resign,” the statement added.The protesters cited Sections 15(5) and 16(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), arguing that withholding earned payments constitutes abuse of power and undermines citizens’ welfare.

They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to ensure accountability and the immediate release of all verified funds owed to contractors.

The lawyers warned that failure to act would compel them to pursue legal remedies, including court enforcement of contractual obligations, public-interest litigation, and calls for international monitoring of the payment process.

They demanded the resignation of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, over the alleged infraction, which is in breach of the extant provision of the law. (The Guardian)

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