The Federal Government of Nigeria has released N152 billion to contractors for verified projects, amidst ongoing protests across the country over delayed payments. According to the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the payments were made after a thorough verification process, in line with existing laws and regulations, to ensure that only genuine claims were paid.
The verification exercise, conducted by the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies, aimed to confirm the authenticity and completion status of projects, preventing fraud and payment for abandoned projects. This move is part of the government’s effort to clear outstanding contractor liabilities, particularly for those who have properly executed and certified contracts.
Contractors had previously accused the government of neglecting their legitimate claims, leading to demonstrations in Abuja and other states. However, despite the fresh disbursement, some contractors insist that the payment is insufficient and that many verified claims remain pending. Protesters continue to demand a full clearance of outstanding debts, warning that prolonged delays could halt ongoing projects and exacerbate the country’s infrastructure deficit.
The Minister of State for Finance has urged contractors to be patient, stating that the government will continue to pay verified claims in phases as funds become available. She also emphasized the need for contractors to comply with contract terms and avoid abandoning projects after receiving mobilization fees. Furthermore, Uzoka-Anite warned that the government will not hesitate to sanction contractors who fail to deliver projects or engage in fraudulent practices, emphasizing the responsible use of public funds.
Analysts view the payment as a positive step, but argue that the government must also address systemic bottlenecks in the payment process to restore confidence and prevent future protests. As the country closely monitors the situation, many hope that the fresh disbursement will calm tensions and encourage contractors to return to sites to complete critical road projects across the country. The government’s efforts to clear outstanding contractor liabilities are crucial in restoring confidence in the construction sector and addressing the country’s infrastructure needs.
