A coalition of indigenous contractors has urged contractors across the country to exercise restraint and embrace dialogue with the Federal Ministry of Finance over outstanding debts, warning that continued protests could undermine ongoing reforms in the payment system.

The group, under the aegis of the Coalition for Sustainable Fiscal Reform (CSFR), said the current verification and payment process being implemented by the Ministry of State for Finance is aimed at resolving long-standing contractor debt in a sustainable manner.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the coalition’s National Coordinator, Dr. Ridwan Kadiri, acknowledged the frustrations of contractors owed for executed projects but cautioned against actions that could destabilise the reform process.

According to the coalition, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, inherited a contractor debt profile marked by inconsistencies, weak verification mechanisms, and recurring arrears, which necessitated a structural reset of the payment framework.

It explained that the ministry’s insistence on thorough verification was designed to ensure that payments are made only to contractors who have delivered on their projects, thereby protecting genuine indigenous contractors and preventing abuse of public funds.

The coalition said the recent disbursement of funds followed a de-bottlenecking exercise meant to eliminate fictitious and inflated claims that had historically slowed down payment processes.

CSFR also faulted calls for the resignation of Uzoka-Anite, describing them as misplaced and capable of derailing reforms.

Kadiri said, “We are witnessing a move away from ‘surface-level solutions’, those temporary palliatives that have historically failed to end the cycle of debt. Instead, the Minister is implementing an organic solution that addresses the problem from the root. This ensures that once a contractor is paid, the system is strengthened to prevent future arrears from ever accumulating again.”

The coalition pointed to the Minister’s insistence on a rigorous verification exercise as a protective measure for genuine indigenous businesses.

“Dr. Uzoka-Anite has brought a culture of accountability that was previously missing. To demand a resignation at this critical junction of reform is to invite chaos. We cannot afford to restart the clock now when the machinery for sustainable payment is finally being calibrated,” it added.

CSFR warned that forcing a leadership change at the ministry during the reform process could destabilise the emerging framework for sustainable payments.

“To disrupt the process now is to risk restarting the cycle of confusion and debt accumulation,” the coalition added.
The group urged the leadership of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) to adopt what it described as “strategic patience,” noting that the 2026 fiscal framework contains provisions for clearing outstanding contractor obligations from 2024 and 2025.

It stressed that constructive engagement with the ministry would be more effective than street protests in resolving outstanding issues.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for the finance ministry’s reform agenda and pledged to monitor the disbursement process closely to ensure transparency and fairness for legitimate contractors nationwide.