Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A growing dispute over alleged unpaid contracts in Kaduna State has escalated into a planned public protest, as Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization formally requested security protection from the Kaduna State Police Command ahead of a demonstration scheduled for April 1, 2026. The development reflects mounting frustration among contractors who claim they have not been paid for projects completed across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The protest request is the latest step in a broader campaign by the civil society group, which has been actively petitioning authorities over what it describes as systemic failure by the Kaduna State Government to fulfill financial obligations tied to local government projects. According to details contained in its petition, the contractors were engaged through Formal Act Legacy Ltd to execute community-based interventions, including the provision of boreholes, medical supplies such as hospital beds, and other social infrastructure projects.
The organization maintains that many of these projects were completed as far back as 2023, yet payments have not been made despite repeated assurances from government representatives. It further alleges that a government committee, reportedly linked to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, had verified the projects and promised that contractors would be compensated upon completion. However, the group claims that these commitments have not been honored.
In its petition, Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization also raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the handling of the contracts, including claims that the state government at some point took over the projects and agreed to pay only a portion of the contract sums, reportedly around 50 percent. Despite this adjustment, the group asserts that even the reduced payment commitments have not been fulfilled, leaving contractors in prolonged financial uncertainty.
The consequences of the alleged non-payment have been severe for many of the affected contractors. According to the organization, numerous individuals financed the projects through personal savings, loans, and credit facilities, expecting reimbursement upon completion. The delay in payment has reportedly resulted in mounting debts, pressure from financial institutions, and significant economic hardship. Some contractors are said to be facing asset seizures, while others have struggled to sustain their businesses and meet basic family needs.
The dispute is not entirely new. Reports dating back to 2025 indicated that hundreds of contractors engaged under the same arrangement had already begun raising concerns over unpaid dues, suggesting that the issue has persisted for an extended period without resolution. The continued lack of payment has fueled allegations of administrative lapses and possible corruption within the system managing the contracts.
In response to the situation, Eagle Brain Human Rights Organization has positioned itself as an advocate for the affected contractors, calling for immediate intervention by the Kaduna State Government. The group has demanded either full payment of verified contract sums or the return of equipment and materials used in executing the projects. It has also sought a meeting with the state governor to discuss possible resolutions and prevent further escalation of the dispute.
The planned protest, according to organizers, is intended to remain peaceful and lawful. Participants are expected to gather at a central location in Kaduna before proceeding to the Ministry of Local Government, where they aim to formally present their grievances. The organization emphasized that the demonstration is a last resort after prolonged efforts to engage authorities through formal channels.
In its letter to the police, the group requested comprehensive security coverage to ensure that the protest proceeds without disruption. It highlighted the need to protect both participants and public property, while also preventing potential interference by individuals who may attempt to hijack the demonstration. The organization expressed willingness to collaborate with security agencies on logistics, including route planning and crowd control measures, and proposed the establishment of a liaison team to coordinate efforts.
The controversy surrounding the contracts has also drawn attention to Formal Act Legacy Ltd, the company through which the contractors were engaged. While allegations of non-payment have been widely circulated, the company has previously denied wrongdoing, insisting that it operates a transparent payment system. In past statements, it argued that a significant number of contractors did not meet required project specifications, which it suggested could have contributed to payment delays. The company also maintained that the projects were funded through external partnerships rather than direct government financing, complicating the narrative around responsibility for payments.
Nevertheless, critics argue that such explanations do not fully address the grievances raised by contractors, particularly those who insist that their projects were completed and verified. The situation has therefore evolved into a complex dispute involving multiple stakeholders, including contractors, government agencies, and private sector partners.
Analysts note that the case reflects broader challenges in public procurement and contract management across various parts of Nigeria. Delays in payment, disputes over project verification, and allegations of corruption have frequently undermined trust between governments and contractors, often leading to protests and legal battles.
As the April 1 protest date approaches, attention is focused on how authorities will respond. The role of the police will be critical in ensuring that the demonstration remains peaceful, while the response of the Kaduna State Government may determine whether the situation escalates or is resolved through dialogue.
For the affected contractors, the protest represents both a demand for justice and a call for accountability. For observers, it highlights the urgent need for reforms that ensure transparency, timely payments, and effective oversight in the execution of public projects.
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