Massive Civil Society Coalition Backs Abuja Protests Over Unpaid Contractor Debts
A powerful coalition comprising more than 1,000 civil society organizations has thrown its weight behind ongoing protests in Abuja, where local contractors are demanding payment of outstanding debts reportedly exceeding ₦4 trillion from the Federal Government. The escalating situation has led to calls for the immediate resignation of Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, whom protesters accuse of failing to implement presidential directives aimed at resolving the financial crisis.
Coalition Accuses Finance Minister of Economic Sabotage
In a strongly worded joint statement released on Wednesday, the coalition described the minister's alleged inaction as "economic sabotage" and blamed the current protests on what they termed "unwarranted negligence" by the finance ministry. The statement was endorsed by prominent groups including:
- The National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD)
- Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF)
- Movement for Accountable and Good Governance (MAGGo)
- National Coalition for Peace, Unity and Progress (NCPUP)
- National Forum of APC Young Professionals (NFAYP)
The coalition emphasized that the protests could have been avoided if the finance ministry had acted promptly on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive for full payment of debts owed to indigenous contractors who completed government projects.
Contractors Face Severe Financial Hardship
According to the coalition's detailed assessment, many contractors financed government projects through commercial bank loans, creating severe financial pressure when payments were delayed or withheld. The statement revealed alarming consequences:
- Some contractors have completely lost their businesses due to the payment delays
- Others have suffered serious health challenges from the financial strain
- Numerous contractors have defaulted on loans, resulting in asset seizures by financial institutions
The coalition further alleged that payments have been made selectively, despite previous assurances that warrants would be released once a verified list of contractors was submitted to the authorities.
Demands for Presidential Intervention and Minister's Resignation
While acknowledging the patience and resilience shown by contractors since 2024, the coalition made several urgent demands:
- Immediate resignation of Finance Minister of State Doris Uzoka-Anite
- Establishment of a new presidential committee to oversee debt settlement
- Prioritization of debt clearance to prevent further economic damage
"We have studied this issue extensively and can say without hesitation that allowing the current handlers to continue poses a serious risk to the economy. The minister should quietly resign to save the country from a looming crisis," the coalition stated emphatically.
Contractors Warn of Escalating Protests
The All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), which resumed protests in Abuja earlier this week, has issued stern warnings about potential escalation if their demands remain unmet. Speaking at the Ministry of Finance, AICAN president Mr. Jackson Nwosu emphasized that contractors might be forced to take more drastic action if the ₦4 trillion debt for projects captured in the 2024 budget is not settled promptly.
The coalition expressed concern that previous interventions, including efforts by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu and a presidential directive issued in December, have failed to produce meaningful results. They urged President Tinubu to take immediate, decisive action to resolve what they describe as a growing economic emergency that threatens both individual livelihoods and national stability.
