Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, has called out the Federal Government over its failure to pay local contractors for completed jobs.

According to Obi, not paying local contractors indirectly puts “small-sized” companies and ordinary Nigerians out of their means of survival.

Available statistics suggest that about N1.5trillion is owed to local contractors, who have lately resorted to public protests in frustration.

President Bola Tinubu, said to be “visibly upset” over the development, had ordered that the outstanding liabilities be settled immediately.

Obi expressed surprise that a government that announced to have surpassed its revenue targets for the year couldn’t settle outstanding liabilities to contractors.

The former governor of Anambra State took to his X handle on Thursday to criticise the government, arguing that with the revenues at its disposal, paying local contractors should be the least of its problems.

Obi wrote, “In recent days, we have seen concerning images and reports of local contractors protesting across Abuja and other parts of the country, demanding payment for work they have already completed.

“Most of these contractors are small and medium-sized businesses that are essential to the economy in various regions, comprising ordinary Nigerians who have delivered vital public services with the expectation that the government would honour its commitments.

“What is even more troubling is that this situation arises after President Tinubu publicly announced in August that Nigeria had “met and surpassed its revenue target for the year.” With such an impressive record, one would expect increased investment in the economy—specifically in education, healthcare, and programs that alleviate poverty. Yet, the government has still failed to pay contractors.

“A responsible government cannot claim record revenue while simultaneously leaving thousands of contractors unpaid. This contradiction highlights deeper issues related to transparency in our public finance management and governance.

“When a government fails to pay contractors, the consequences ripple through the entire economy. Medium and small businesses shut down, workers lose their jobs, families experience hardship, and the nation loses its productive capacity.

“We cannot build a strong economy when public funds are mismanaged, obligations are ignored, and local businesses are treated as expendable. If our revenue has indeed increased, it should be reflected in timely payments of obligations, the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and reduced borrowing.

“Meeting our obligations to contractors is not optional; it is a test of honesty, competence, and true leadership. A government that cannot fulfil its commitments cannot be trusted to build a nation. As leaders, we must honour our obligations, manage resources with discipline, and create an economy that works for the people. This is how a nation rises.” (Nigerian Tribune, but headline rejigged)