The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has commended the Federal Government for disbursing N152 billion to local contractors, while urging indigenous contractors to pursue dialogue to resolve disputes.

In response to the recent protest by indigenous contractors at the Federal Ministry of Finance that disrupted official activities, the association stated that the payment validated the Ministry’s position that due process and statutory verification requirements were followed before the release of funds.

In a statement signed by the National Secretary of the association, Tabuko Kennedy, the disbursement demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of public funds, noting that contract payments must pass through the established verification and approval stages required by law.

He acknowledged the financial pressure contractors face due to delays but stressed that constructive engagement remains the most effective way to address outstanding obligations.

He clarified that the protest, which briefly prevented access to the ministry, predated the assumption of office of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite.

The statement described attempts to personalise the issue against her as misleading, noting that payment processes involve multiple agencies and do not rest on the discretion of a single minister.

“Upon assuming office, the minister appealed for patience, sought time to fully understand the issues, and committed to working with relevant institutions to achieve a sustainable resolution,” the association said, adding that there was no evidence of bad faith or obstruction on her part.

On reports of a gunshot during the protest, the National Secretary said security agencies had commenced investigations to determine the source of the sound, urging the public and the media to avoid spreading unverified claims.

The association said it had constituted an independent panel of enquiry comprising content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers and policy analysts, which engaged contractors, ministry officials and independent observers. The panel confirmed that while contractors’ grievances were genuine, payments had commenced and dialogue was ongoing to harmonise records and fast-track outstanding verified claims.

BAVCCA, therefore, tasked the Nigerian Government to conclude the payment of all verified obligations, urged contractors to embrace documentation-driven engagement, and appealed to the media to report responsibly, stressing that respect for the rule of law and institutional processes remained critical to effective governance.

The statement reads: “While protest is a democratic right, blocking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermines governance and public safety. Grievances must be pursued through lawful and structured engagement.

“BAVCCA holds that the incident of Monday, 19th January reflects systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence by the Minister of State for Finance”.