Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka Anite
Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has disclosed that the Federal Government has paid ₦152 billion to contractors with verified contracts, while dialogue continues to resolve outstanding obligations.
BAVCCA made this known on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja, convened to address the recent protest that disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Monday, January 19.
Addressing journalists, civil society groups, and content creators, the National Secretary of BAVCCA, Tabuko Kennedy, said it was compelled to intervene in order to “clarify the facts, correct misconceptions, and promote constructive engagement rather than sensational narratives.”
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Finance confirmed that ₦152 billion was paid to contractors on Wednesday after due verification, stressing that contract payments are subject to established approval processes designed to safeguard public funds and ensure transparency.
While acknowledging the hardship faced by contractors over delayed payments, Mr. Kennedy noted that the Ministry has reiterated its commitment to dialogue as the most effective means of resolving all outstanding issues.
He also faulted attempts to personalise the protest against the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, noting that she had been in office for less than one month when the incident occurred.
The association National Secretary stated that findings from its review showed that the contractors’ grievances predated the Minister’s appointment and were already being managed by the Coordinating Minister and other relevant government structures.
“Personalising the issue against her was therefore unfair and misleading,” he said.
He added that upon assuming office, the Minister appealed for patience, requested time to study the issues, and expressed willingness to work with all stakeholders toward a lasting solution.
BAVCCA also addressed reports alleging that a gunshot was fired during the protest, stating that security agencies have launched investigations to determine the source of the sound. The association urged the public and the media to avoid spreading unverified claims.
The association disclosed that it constituted an independent Panel of Enquiry made up of content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers, and policy analysts to examine the incident.
According to the panel’s findings, contractors’ complaints were genuine, as many had executed verified projects and were experiencing financial strain due to delayed payments.
On the status of payments, BAVCCA confirmed that disbursements are ongoing, with several contractors already receiving full or partial payments. The Federal Government, it said, disclosed that about 80 percent of verified obligations have been processed, while the remaining balances are undergoing reconciliation.
The panel also confirmed that payment execution does not fall under the sole authority of the Minister of State for Finance, but involves multiple agencies and statutory procedures.
“We found no evidence of bad faith, obstruction, or personal misconduct by the Minister,” the association stated.
While affirming the right of citizens to protest, BAVCCA cautioned that blocking public offices and preventing officials from carrying out their duties undermines governance and public safety.
The association called on the Federal Government to conclude all outstanding verified payments, urged contractors to embrace dialogue and proper documentation, and appealed to the media to report responsibly.
In its conclusion, BAVCCA said the January 19 incident reflected systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence on the part of the Minister of State for Finance.
