NNAEMEKA-AGU, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment): This is an appeal by the plaintiff against the reversal by the Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, of the judgment given in his favour by L.D. Abdullahi, J, in a Jos High Court. The claim before the court is as follows:
"The defendant by Local Purchase Order No. 17142 and 17143 all dated 31st October, 1977 and by letter Reference No. WJI/ADM 069/7/78 awarded the work of laying of underground cables for its petrol pumping stations in the following towns Mangu (5 pumps) Barkin Lad; (5 pumps) Nassarawa (5 pumps) Bassa (5 pumps) Pankshin (5 pumps) Wase and Kanam (5 pumps).
The plaintiff in accordance with the Local Purchase Order and the letter reference No. WAJ/ADM 069/7/78 did carry out the projects in the specified areas and make a demand for payment of work done which the defendant refused, or neglected to pay.
Wherefore the plaintiff claims from the defendant the sum of ₦16,000 (sixteen thousand Naira) as payment for work done."
The …