₦152 Billion Paid To Contractors, FG Urges Calm After Abuja Standoff
FG Confirms ₦152bn Disbursement for Verified Contracts
THE Federal Government has confirmed the disbursement of ₦152 billion to contractors for verified contracts, amid rising tensions between officials of the Ministry of Finance and protesting contractors over alleged payment delays.
The confirmation was contained in an official circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Finance and shared via the verified X account of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.
“I wish to confirm that the Federal Ministry of Finance has disbursed a total of ₦152 billion to contractors for verified contracts,” the minister stated.
Payments Subject to Verification, FG Says
According to Uzoka-Anite, all payments made by the ministry are subjected to strict verification processes in line with existing laws and financial regulations. She said these measures are designed to safeguard public funds while ensuring accountability and transparency in government spending.
The ministry emphasised that no payment is released without proper documentation and validation, stressing that due process remains non-negotiable in the management of taxpayers’ resources.
While acknowledging that contractors may have experienced financial strain due to payment delays, the ministry said it remains committed to continuous engagement with stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues.
Ministry Appeals for Restraint and Dialogue
In the statement, the Ministry of Finance appealed to contractors to respect its procedures and personnel, noting that staff members have continued to carry out their duties despite facing intimidation and harassment during recent protests.
The ministry assured contractors that it remains supportive and committed to processing all legitimate payment requests promptly and consistently, provided they meet established requirements.
“We remain committed to fostering an environment of mutual respect, transparency, and accountability,” the statement said.
Background to the Dispute
The confirmation of the ₦152 billion payment follows a confrontation earlier in the week between Uzoka-Anite and members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN).
The association had accused the Federal Government of failing to pay its members for contracts reportedly completed since 2024, despite repeated assurances. According to the contractors, the prolonged delays have worsened cashflow pressures, triggered loan defaults, and led to asset seizures by banks.
The protest escalated when the minister attempted to gain access to the Ministry of Finance complex in Abuja.
Security Incident Sparks Panic
Witnesses said Uzoka-Anite arrived at the ministry gate shortly after 10 a.m. but was prevented from entering by protesting contractors who had blocked the entrance.
Tension heightened when security aides accompanying the minister fired a shot into the air, triggering panic among protesters. In the ensuing confusion, the minister’s vehicle reportedly ran over a physically-challenged AICAN member who was using crutches.
The situation deteriorated further when the minister stepped out of her vehicle and security personnel again discharged firearms into the air to disperse the crowd.
Contractors Accuse FG of Broken Promises
Reacting to the incident, AICAN Vice President, Fredrick Agada, accused the minister of ordering the use of force against peaceful protesters.
“The Minister of State was about to enter and she directed her people to shoot at us while we are gathered here legally demanding our payment,” Agada said.
He insisted the contractors were unarmed and were merely demanding payment for completed projects.
Agada also claimed repeated attempts to meet with the minister had failed, alleging that contractors had waited for hours on previous visits without being granted an audience.
“We want her to explain why payments finalised since 31 December 2025, have not been released,” he said.
