About 500 lawyers, on Thursday, protested at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja, unpaid debts owed to indigenous contractors b y the federal government.

The lawyers, under the aegis of Concerned Lawyers for Probity and Justice, lamented that contractors are owed an estimated ₦4 trillion for completed capital projects.

They were joined by civil society organizations at the protest, accusing the finance ministry of selective payments and favoritism.

The protesters demanded the resignation of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, alleging failure to release verified funds.

The lawyers and civil society groups reinforced the weeks of demonstrations by contractors, including blockades at the ministry and reports of security operatives firing shots into the air to disperse crowds.

Contractors complained that only partial payments were made after protests in December 2025, leaving most verified debts unpaid.

Precious Okoh, told journalists at the protest gthat many contractors who borrowed funds at high interest rates now face bank seizures of homes and vehicles, forcing families into hardship.

He lamented that delayed payments have led to job losses, reduced economic activity, and stalled national development.

Citing constitutional provisions, the lawyers argued that withholding earned payments amounts to abuse of power.

They called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure the immediate release of all verified funds, warning of legal action if delay continues.