A coalition of civil society organizations, CSOs, and lawyers, under the aegis of Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, has asked the Federal Ministry of Finance to clear debts owed indigenous contractors, estimated at about N4 trillion.
The coalition made the demand during a demonstration at the Ministry of Finance, alongside members of the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, AICAN.
The civic activists and lawyers accused the ministry of selective payments and favoritism in ongoing moves to settle the outstanding debts.
The development followed repeated protests by contractors in recent weeks, including blockades of the ministry’s entrance that prevented the minister from accessing her office, leading to reports of security personnel firing shots into the air to disperse crowds.
The local contractors claim that despite partial disbursements after demonstrations in December 2025, the majority of verified debts remain unsettled.
In a statement made available to journalists during the demonstration at the Ministry of Finance Headwaters in Abuja, the coalition said the situation has caused widespread distress among contractors and their families.
The statement, signed by Barrister Precious Isi Okoh, highlighted cases where individuals who borrowed at high interest rates to fund projects now face asset seizures by banks, including homes and vehicles, leading to family disruptions and severe economic strain.
Okoh emphasized the broader impact, noting 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.
“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.”
They cited constitutional provisions to support their position, noting that Section 15(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) requires the state to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.
According to them, 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 fuelling development,” the statement added.
They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene directly to ensure accountability and prompt full release of verified funds.
They warned of legal action, including court enforcement of contractual rights and public interest litigation, if the debts are not cleared.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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