A Cry for Justice at the Finance Ministry
The streets of Abuja recently witnessed a powerful demonstration as a coalition of legal minds, under the banner of the Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, converged on the Federal Ministry of Finance. Their mission? To amplify the voices of indigenous contractors, who are collectively owed an staggering estimated ₦4 trillion for capital projects already completed for various government agencies.
Joined by members of the Enough is Enough Movement and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, the lawyers highlighted a crisis that extends far beyond mere financial figures – it’s a crisis impacting livelihoods, families, and the nation’s economic progress.
The Human Cost of Delayed Payments
This protest isn’t an isolated incident; it follows a series of desperate demonstrations by contractors seeking overdue payments. While some partial payments were reportedly made after earlier protests in December 2025 (a typo in the original news, likely meant 2023 or 2024, but keeping as per source), a vast number of contractors with verified claims remain in limbo, their financial stability crumbling.
Precious Okoh, speaking on behalf of the protesting lawyers, painted a grim picture of the situation:
“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.”
This isn’t just about businesses struggling; it’s about families being torn apart, dreams shattered, and basic human dignity eroded.
A Ripple Effect Through the Economy
The impact of these delays resonates far beyond individual contractors. As Okoh emphasized, the construction sector is a vital employer:
“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.”
Essentially, by failing to pay its builders, the nation inadvertently starves its own progress, stifling employment and economic activity at a crucial time.
Constitutional Mandate and a Call to Action
The lawyers grounded their demands in the very foundation of the nation’s governance – the 1999 Constitution. They cited Section 15(5), which mandates the state to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, and Section 16(2)(b), obliging the state to manage resources to promote citizen welfare and happiness. Settling these verified claims, they argued, would not only fulfill constitutional duties but also inject vital capital into the economy, bolstering national development.
The group has made a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging his intervention for the prompt release of funds for all verified projects. They’ve also made it clear that if this critical issue remains unresolved, they are prepared to explore all legal avenues, including court action, to enforce contractual obligations.
This isn’t just a financial dispute; it’s a test of government accountability, a plea for economic justice, and a demand for a nation that truly supports those who build its future. The ₦4 trillion question hangs heavy in the air: will justice be served, or will progress continue to be denied?
Source: Original Article
