Protest: 1,000 CSOs Rally Behind Local Contractors, Call for Finance Minister Uzoka-Anite’s Resignation

By our Correspondent

No fewer than one thousand Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have come together under a coalition to support the ongoing protest by Nigeria’s indigenous contractors against the Federal Government in Abuja.

The coalition also urged the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, to tender her resignation in the interest of the nation, warning that her continued stay in office could precipitate an imminent economic crisis.
This position was contained in a joint statement issued on Wednesday and signed by representatives of several groups, including the National Vanguard for Accountable and Transparent Democracy (NVATD), represented by Comrade Wisdom Abah; the Nigerian Young Professionals Forum (NYPF), represented by Engr. Istifanus Pam; the Movement for Accountable and Good Governance (MAGGo), represented by Comrade Babatunde Ibidapo; the National Coalition for Peace, Unity and Progress (NCPUP), represented by Alhaji Babale Idris; and the National Forum of APC Young Professionals (NFAYP), represented by Engr. Lukman Adejobi, on behalf of other member organizations.
The coalition condemned what it described as the Finance Minister’s refusal to implement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for the outright payment of outstanding debts owed to indigenous contractors across the country.
According to the groups, the situation amounted to “economic sabotage,” attributing the ongoing protest to what they termed the “unwarranted negligence” of Dr. Uzoka-Anite. They warned that the continued civil action by contractors could cripple and paralyse the nation’s economy.
“We have repeatedly issued warnings, calling and appealing to the Honourable Minister of State for Finance. This unfortunate situation is what we tried to avert. Today, it has become a national issue. This could have been avoided, but for the Minister’s unwarranted negligence, the country is now facing this crisis,” the statement read.
While commending the “patience, long-suffering, perseverance and patriotism” of the contractors—whom they said had endured “shame and hardship since 2024”—the coalition appealed to President Tinubu to urgently set up a new Presidential Committee to take over the responsibility of settling the debts from the Finance Minister and her team.
“We have carefully examined this issue and can confidently state, even to Mr. President, that this is a dangerous sign of economic sabotage. Dr. Uzoka-Anite and those working with her should no longer be allowed to handle this matter, as it would do the country more harm than good. In fact, the Minister should quietly resign and relinquish her duties to save Nigeria from a looming economic crisis.
“If this is not sabotage, why would the Federal Government allow debts of over four trillion naira (₦4 trillion) to accumulate since 2024 for projects that have been completed and even commissioned by the executive? Her case is even worse than that of Mr. Wale Edun. Allegations abound that payments are being made selectively to contractors from her state of origin or those with close personal connections.
“Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite had assured that warrants would be released once a list of eligible contractors was submitted. That list has since been provided and duly verified. Yet, apart from a few selective payments, no meaningful disbursement has followed.
“Some local contractors have reportedly died due to pressure from banks after taking loans to execute government projects. Several companies have become bankrupt, while some business owners have suffered severe health challenges, including stroke. Despite this, the government continues with selective payments to cronies and foreign contractors.
“Even with the intervention of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and President Tinubu’s directive in December that all outstanding debts be cleared, there appears to be continued resistance. This is despite the availability of funds. This is outright sabotage, and the consequences will be disastrous,” the coalition warned.
Meanwhile, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) resumed its protest in Abuja on Monday over the ₦4 trillion debt allegedly owed to its members by the Federal Government for completed capital projects captured in the 2024 budget.
Speaking to journalists during the protest at the Ministry of Finance, AICAN President, Mr. Jackson Nwosu, warned that the association might be compelled to take drastic measures if the outstanding payments were not settled.
Nwosu explained that funds used to execute the 2024 capital projects were largely sourced from commercial banks, placing contractors under intense financial pressure. He warned that the group’s next line of action could completely shut down the nation’s economy “if they do not kill us first.”
NAN further quoted Nwosu as saying that many contractors had defaulted on bank loans, leading to the seizure of properties, while some members reportedly lost their lives due to the severe financial strain.