By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government has confirmed the disbursement of ₦152 billion to local contractors for verified projects, even as protests over unpaid entitlements continue in the nation’s capital.

The announcement was made by the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka‑Anite, who said the funds were released following rigorous verification processes designed to ensure transparency and accountability in the payment of public contracts.

“The Ministry acknowledges the financial pressures that delays in payment may have placed on contractors,” Uzoka‑Anite said. “We remain committed to continuous dialogue and engagement with all contractor groups to resolve outstanding issues.”

The payment comes amid renewed protests by the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), which says the Federal Government still owes numerous firms across the country for completed projects.

Contractors have staged demonstrations at the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly to demand the settlement of verified payments, citing mounting debts and cash-flow challenges caused by prolonged delays.

While the ₦152 billion payment is a step toward addressing the backlog, contractor leaders have stated that they will continue to push for full settlement of all outstanding obligations. Federal officials, however, said additional payments are being processed and that the government remains committed to meeting its obligations in accordance with due process.