About 500 lawyers gathered at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja to protest what they described as selective payment of debts owed to indigenous contractors across Nigeria. Operating under the banner Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, they demonstrated in solidarity with contractors who claim they are still owed an estimated ₦4 trillion for completed capital projects.
The protest, organised alongside the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), followed weeks of rising tension at the ministry over verified but unpaid claims. The lawyers accused the ministry of deliberately withholding payments while allegedly favouring selected contractors, a situation they say has pushed many local firms into severe financial distress.
The action comes after repeated protests by contractors, including blockades at the ministry’s entrance that reportedly prevented the minister from accessing her office. Some demonstrations were said to have been dispersed by security personnel, with reports of shots fired into the air. Although partial payments were made in December 2025, contractors insist that most of the verified debts remain unpaid.
Led by Barrister Precious Isi Okoh, the lawyers described the situation as both an economic and humanitarian crisis. They noted that many contractors took high-interest bank loans to execute government projects and are now facing asset seizures that have affected their homes, vehicles, and families.
According to the group, the impact extends beyond individual businesses. Thousands of workers in construction and related sectors are said to have lost their jobs, local economies have suffered, and national development efforts have slowed. They expressed disappointment in the Minister of State for Finance, arguing that her office is responsible for releasing the funds.
The protesters cited Sections 15(5) and 16(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), stating that failure to honour verified payments amounts to abuse of power and undermines citizens’ welfare. They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure transparency and immediate settlement of the debts.
They warned that if no action is taken, they will pursue legal remedies, including public-interest litigation and calls for international monitoring of the payment process. The group also demanded the resignation of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, over the alleged breach of legal obligations.
