By Peace Erewunmi

A fresh dispute has emerged between the Federal Government and indigenous contractors over claims that more than ₦700 billion has been paid to settle outstanding obligations owed to contractors.

The controversy followed an announcement by the Federal Ministry of Finance that over ₦700 billion in verified contractor payments had been processed, with approvals granted for more than 1,240 contractors across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

However, contractors under the umbrella of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) have challenged the claim, insisting that many of their members have yet to receive payments.

The contractors resumed protests at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, arguing that there is little evidence to support reports of widespread disbursement.

According to the association, a significant number of contractors who executed government projects remain unpaid despite previous assurances from government officials.

In response, officials of the Ministry of Finance explained that approval of funds is different from actual payment, noting that disbursement processes are ongoing and may not immediately reflect in beneficiaries’ accounts.

The government maintained that the approved funds are being processed and that contractors with verified claims are expected to receive payments as the exercise progresses.

The disagreement has reignited concerns over delayed payments to contractors, many of whom say they borrowed funds to execute government projects and are facing financial difficulties due to prolonged delays.

As of the time of filing this report, discussions between government officials and contractor representatives were continuing, while protesters demanded quicker implementation of approved payments.