The Federal Government says it has released N152 billion to contractors after completing a strict verification of outstanding claims, as pressure mounts over unpaid debts owed for executed projects.
In a statement on Thursday, Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of State for Finance, said the payments followed “rigorous verification” in line with existing laws and regulations, stressing that due process was necessary to safeguard public funds.
Uzoka-Anite acknowledged the financial strain contractors have endured due to delays, assuring them that the Ministry of Finance would continue to process and approve legitimate payment requests.
“I wish to confirm that the Federal Ministry of Finance has disbursed a total of N152 billion to contractors for verified contracts,” she said. “Every payment undergoes rigorous verification in accordance with extant laws and regulations, ensuring accountability, transparency and the protection of taxpayers’ money.”
She added that the ministry remained open to dialogue and engagement with contractors to resolve disputes and clear verified obligations.
The announcement comes amid sustained protests by local contractors over a mounting debt backlog dating back to 2025. Under the banner of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), protesters have repeatedly blocked access to the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly complex to demand payment.
In December 2025, Tinubu constituted a multi-ministerial committee to address the crisis, with outstanding claims estimated at about N1.5 trillion. The committee includes the ministers of finance, budget and economic planning, works, and housing, alongside the director-general of the Budget Office and the chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.
Tensions escalated earlier this week when protesters again barricaded the finance ministry, briefly preventing Uzoka-Anite from entering the complex. A confrontation with security operatives followed, during which a gunshot was reportedly heard as officers attempted to disperse the crowd.
