Minister of State for Finance, Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, has confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Finance has released N152 billion to contractors for verified contracts.

Speaking via her verified social media handle, Dr. Uzoka-Anite emphasised that each payment underwent rigorous verification in line with existing laws and regulations, aimed at safeguarding public funds and ensuring accountability and transparency.

Dr. Uzoka-Anite acknowledged the financial pressures contractors may have faced due to delays but reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining continuous dialogue and engagement to resolve disputes.

She also urged contractors to respect the processes and personnel of the Ministry, noting the staff’s “unwavering dedication despite facing varying degrees of intimidation and harassment.” She assured that payment requests would continue to be processed consistently and in accordance with due process.

The disbursement follows protests by indigenous contractors at the Ministry’s headquarters, which briefly disrupted official activities. In response, the Bloggers and Vloggers Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) commended the Federal Government for the payment, noting that it reflected adherence to statutory verification procedures.

The association also urged contractors to pursue structured dialogue rather than protests and warned against personalising issues against Dr. Uzoka-Anite.

BAVCCA clarified that the protest occurred prior to Dr. Uzoka-Anite assuming office and described her efforts to engage stakeholders constructively. “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 stated.

The association also addressed reports of a gunshot during the protest, noting that security agencies had launched an investigation and urging media and the public to avoid unverified claims.

An independent panel of inquiry, constituted by BAVCCA and comprising content creators, journalists, civil society observers, and policy analysts, confirmed that while contractors’ grievances were genuine, payments had commenced and dialogue was ongoing to harmonise records and expedite outstanding verified claims.

BAVCCA called on the government to conclude all verified payments, encouraged contractors to engage through documentation and lawful channels, and appealed to the media to report responsibly.

The statement emphasised that “blocking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermines governance and public safety” and described the incident as “systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence by the Minister of State for Finance.”

Dr. Uzoka-Anite’s office continues to monitor payments and engagement with contractors to ensure adherence to due process and timely completion of verified obligations.