The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has confirmed that the Federal Government has disbursed ₦152 billion to contractors with verified contracts, calling for calm and constructive dialogue following a recent protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja.
BAVCCA made this known on Thursday during a press conference held in Abuja, where it addressed the protest by indigenous contractors on Monday, January 19, which disrupted activities at the ministry and temporarily prevented the Minister of State for Finance from accessing her office.
According to the association, the Ministry of Finance officially confirmed that the payment was made on Wednesday after due verification processes.
“At the outset, BAVCCA aligns with the official position of the Federal Ministry of Finance, which confirmed today that ₦152 billion was paid yesterday to contractors for duly verified contracts,” Tabuko Kennedy, National Secretary of the association, said.
The group explained that contract payments are subject to “multiple verification and approval stages in line with extant laws and financial regulations,” stressing that the procedures are designed to ensure accountability and protect public funds.
While acknowledging the hardship caused by delayed payments, BAVCCA noted that the Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to dialogue as the most effective means of resolving outstanding issues.
The association also defended the Minister of State for Finance, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, describing attempts to personalise the protest against her as “unfair and misleading.”
“It is important to state that Doris Uzoka-Anite has held the office of Minister of State for Finance for less than one month at the time of this incident,” BAVCCA said, adding that the contractors’ grievances predated her assumption of office and were already being addressed by relevant government structures.
According to the group, upon resumption, the minister appealed for patience and pledged to work with all stakeholders to reach a sustainable resolution.
“She requested time to fully understand the issues and committed to working with all relevant institutions, demonstrating good faith and empathy,” the association added.
Providing background on the incident, BAVCCA said contractors protested over unpaid contracts, blocking access to the ministry and disrupting official activities. It also addressed reports of an alleged gunshot during the protest.
“There were reports alleging that a gunshot was fired during the protest. Our findings indicate that security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the source of the sound,” the association said, urging the public to avoid spreading unverified claims.
BAVCCA disclosed that it set up an independent panel of enquiry comprising content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers and policy analysts to ascertain the facts.
The panel found that contractors’ complaints were genuine, noting that many had executed verified projects and were facing financial difficulties due to delayed payments.
On the status of payments, the association said disbursement was ongoing.
“Several contractors confirmed receipt of payments or partial settlements,” it stated, adding that government records showed that “about 80 per cent of verified obligations have been processed and paid, with the balance at various stages of reconciliation and documentation.”
The group also clarified that the Minister of State for Finance does not have unilateral control over payments, which involve multiple agencies and statutory processes.
“We found no evidence of bad faith, obstruction, or personal misconduct by the Minister,” the statement said.
While affirming that protest is a democratic right, BAVCCA cautioned against actions that undermine governance and public safety.
“Blocking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermines governance and public safety,” it warned.
In its conclusion, the association described the incident as a reflection of “systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence” and called on the Federal Government to conclude outstanding verified payments, contractors to embrace dialogue, and the media to report responsibly.
“Constructive engagement, transparency, and respect for institutions remain the best path forward,” BAVCCA added.
