FG Disburses N152bn to Contractors for Verified Contracts
The federal government says it has disbursed N152 billion to contractors for what it described as “verified contracts”.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of state for finance, said the payments were subjected to rigorous verification processes in line with existing laws and regulations.
Uzoka-Anite acknowledged the financial strain contractors have faced due to delays in payment, assuring them that the ministry remains committed to processing outstanding requests.
“I wish to confirm that the Federal Ministry of Finance (@FinMinNigeria) has disbursed a total of N152 billion to contractors for verified contracts,” the statement reads.
“Every payment undergoes rigorous verification in accordance with extant laws and regulations, ensuring the protection of taxpayers’ funds and upholding accountability and transparency.
“The Ministry acknowledges the financial pressures that delays in payment may have placed on contractors.
“We remain committed to continuous dialogue and engagement, seeking effective resolutions to all conflicts.”
Since 2025, local contractors have staged protests over a backlog of unpaid debts for projects executed for the federal government.
Under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), the protesters have blocked the gates of the ministry of finance and the national assembly complex to press their demands.
In December 2025, President Bola Tinubu constituted a multi-ministerial committee to address the issue, with outstanding liabilities estimated at about N1.5 trillion.
Members of the committee include Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy; Atiku Bagudu, minister of budget and economic planning; Tanimu Yakubu, director-general of the budget office; Dave Umahi, minister of works; Ahmed Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development; and Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
A senate committee had also invited Edun to provide further explanations on the circumstances surrounding the payment delays.
On Monday, the protests escalated when contractors blocked the entrance to the federal ministry of finance, preventing Uzoka-Anite from accessing the complex.
The situation degenerated into a scuffle between security operatives attached to the minister and the protesters, during which a gunshot was reportedly heard as security personnel attempted to disperse the crowd.
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