The federal government on Thursday announced the disbursement of N152 billion to contractors after verification of their executed projects.

Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite announced this in a statement on Thursday, following protests by members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria at the ministry in Abuja on Monday and Tuesday.

The contractors had barricaded the ministry, demanding the non-payment of about N4 trillion, allegedly owed to them for projects executed under the federal government’s 2024 budget.

“I wish to confirm that the Federal Ministry of Finance has disbursed a total of N152 billion to contractors for verified contracts,” Ms Uzoka-Anite said.

The minister disclosed that the disbursement followed rigorous verification in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

“Every payment undergoes rigorous verification in accordance with extant laws and regulations, ensuring the protection of taxpayers’ funds and upholding accountability and transparency,” the minister stated.

Acknowledging the strain delays in payment may have caused contractors, Ms Uzoka-Anite reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to dialogue for conflict resolution.

She urged contractors to observe due process and to show respect to the ministry’s staff, who have reportedly been subjected to intimidation and harassment.

“The ministry assures all contractors of our ongoing support and reiterates that all payment requests will continue to be processed in line with due process, timely, and consistently,” Ms Uzoka-Anite stated.

A national executive member of AICAN, Johnson Akinsehinwa, who spoke to journalists during their protest, faulted the non-payment of contractors and its impacts on workmen.

“When previous budgets are not fully implemented, it becomes difficult to commence subsequent ones. This creates pressure on the economy and affects employment generated through government-induced businesses,” Mr Akinsehinwa stated.