BAVCCA backs Finance Ministry, confirms ₦152bn contractor payments amid Abuja protest
The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Ministry of Finance, confirming that ₦152 billion has been paid to contractors for duly verified projects, following the protest that disrupted activities at the Ministry in Abuja.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the National Secretary of BAVCCA, Tabuko Kennedy, said the briefing was convened to address the protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Monday, 19th January, which temporarily prevented the Minister of State for Finance from accessing her office.
Kennedy said BAVCCA intervened in the matter in line with its commitment to responsible digital engagement and factual reporting, stressing the need to clarify facts, correct misconceptions, and promote constructive engagement rather than sensational narratives.
“At the outset, BAVCCA aligns with the official position of the Federal Ministry of Finance, which confirmed today that ₦152 billion was been paid yesterday to contractors for duly verified contracts,” he said.
He added that the Ministry explained that payments follow multiple verification and approval stages under existing laws and financial regulations to ensure accountability and protect public funds.
While acknowledging the financial strain contractors may have faced due to delayed payments, Kennedy said the Ministry had reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and engagement as the most effective way to resolve outstanding issues.
He noted that the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anite, had been in office for less than one month at the time of the incident, adding that BAVCCA’s findings confirmed that the protest predated her assumption of office and was already being handled by the Coordinating Minister and relevant government structures, adding that personalising the issue against her was unfair and misleading.
According to him, upon assuming office, the Minister appealed to contractors for patience, requested time to understand the issues fully, and committed to working with relevant institutions to achieve a sustainable resolution, demonstrating good faith and empathy.
Providing background to the incident, Kennedy recalled that indigenous contractors protested at the Ministry on Monday, 19th January, over outstanding payments for executed contracts, an action that blocked access to the premises and disrupted official activities.
He also addressed reports alleging that a gunshot was fired during the protest, saying BAVCCA’s findings showed that security agencies had commenced investigations to determine the source of the sound, while urging restraint and caution against spreading unverified claims.
Kennedy disclosed that BAVCCA constituted an independent Panel of Enquiry made up of experienced content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers, and policy analysts, which engaged contractors, Ministry officials, and independent observers to establish facts and assess responsibility.
He said the panel found that contractors’ grievances were genuine, noting that many had executed verified projects and were facing financial difficulties, but confirmed that payments had commenced and were ongoing, with several contractors acknowledging receipt of payments or partial settlements, and about 80 percent of verified obligations already processed.
Speaking further, Kennedy said BAVCCA held that the incident reflected systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence by the Minister of State for Finance, while calling on the Federal Government to conclude outstanding verified payments, contractors to embrace dialogue, and the media to report responsibly, adding that constructive engagement, transparency, and respect for institutions remain the best path forward.
