The federal government has announced the disbursement of ₦152 billion to contractors for what it described as duly verified projects.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Doris Uzoka-Anite, minister of state for finance, said the payments followed strict verification processes in line with existing laws and regulations to ensure accountability and transparency.
Uzoka-Anite acknowledged the financial strain contractors have faced due to delays in payment, assuring them that the ministry remains committed to processing all legitimate claims.
“I can confirm that the Federal Ministry of Finance has released a total of ₦152 billion to contractors for verified contracts,” she said. “All payments are subjected to rigorous verification in accordance with extant laws and regulations, safeguarding taxpayers’ funds and upholding transparency.”
She added that the ministry would continue to engage contractors through dialogue to resolve outstanding issues and prevent further disputes.
Background
Since 2025, local contractors have staged a series of protests over unpaid bills for projects executed for the federal government. Acting under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), the protesters at various times blocked the entrances to the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly to press their demands.
In December 2025, President Bola Tinubu constituted a multi-ministerial committee to address the backlog of unpaid obligations, estimated at about ₦1.5 trillion. The committee comprises 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 has also summoned Edun to explain the circumstances surrounding the delayed payments.
The protests escalated on Monday when contractors blocked the entrance to the Ministry of Finance, preventing Uzoka-Anite from accessing the complex.
The standoff reportedly led to a confrontation between security operatives and the protesters, during which a gunshot was heard as security personnel attempted to disperse the crowd.