The protest by indigenous contractors over an alleged ₦4 trillion unpaid debt has intensified as more than 1,000 civil society organisations (CSOs) joined the call for accountability. Operating under a broad coalition, the groups accused the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, of failing to ensure the payment of verified debts owed to local contractors, warning that the situation could worsen Nigeria’s fragile economy.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the CSOs said their decision followed weeks of engagement and growing concern over what they described as non-compliance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on settling outstanding obligations. The coalition, made up of organisations such as NVATD, NYPF, MAGGo, NCPUP and NFAYP, alleged that the minister’s continued inaction had directly contributed to the renewed protests in Abuja.

The groups described the delay in payments as deliberate and dangerous, claiming it amounts to economic sabotage. They argued that despite the submission and verification of contractors’ lists, payments had remained stalled except for a few selective disbursements. According to them, the alleged debt, linked to completed and commissioned projects in the 2024 budget, has continued to rise due to administrative bottlenecks and selective handling.

The CSOs warned that many contractors are facing severe hardship after financing government projects with bank loans, leading to business collapse, loss of property and health challenges. They urged President Tinubu to urgently set up a new presidential committee to take over the payment process and called on the finance minister to step aside in the interest of national stability. Meanwhile, the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) has vowed to escalate its protest if the government fails to act promptly.