Relief as Finance Ministry settles N152bn contract debt

Minister of State, Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, yesterday, disclosed that local contractors have been paid N152 billion for duly verified contracts.

They payment comes after the Association of Indigenous Contractors of Nigeria (AICAN) protested at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja locking out the Minister and other key officials.

However, the Minister of State for Finance reportedly defied security advice and insisted on personally addressing the aggrieved contractors.

Her intervention was said to have calmed frayed nerves, as she successfully engaged the protesters and brought them to a negotiation table, where assurances were given regarding the status of outstanding payments and the government’s commitment to resolving verified claims.

In an internal memo released by the Ministry, it was confirmed that N152 billion has been disbursed to contractors whose contracts have successfully passed through the required verification processes. The Ministry emphasised that contract payments are subject to multiple checks in line with extant laws and regulations to safeguard public funds and ensure accountability and transparency.

While acknowledging the financial strain delays in payments may have caused contractors, the Ministry appealed for sustained dialogue and engagement as the most effective means of resolving outstanding issues.

Commenting on the development, Uzoka-Anite reiterated the government’s commitment to due process, stressing that transparency and fiscal responsibility remain paramount.

“We understand the pressures contractors are facing, but we must also ensure that every payment made complies fully with established procedures to protect taxpayers’ money,” she said.

The Ministry further assured contractors of its continued support and openness to constructive dialogue, while urging them to respect the payment process and the personnel of the Ministry, who have reportedly faced various forms of intimidation and harassment in the course of their duties.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to processing all legitimate payment requests in a timely and consistent manner, provided they meet due process requirements, as part of broader efforts to strengthen public financial management and rebuild confidence among Indigenous contractors.