The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria, BAVCCA, has called on the Nigerian Government to conclude outstanding verified payments to contractors who have executed its projects across the country.
The group also urged the contractors to embrace dialogue and documentation driven resolution rather than protests capable of disrupting official activities and governance.
The contractors had embarked on protest on Monday over unpaid outstanding payments which disrupted official activities and temporarily prevented the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka from accessing her office.
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The group, at a press conference tagged '₦152 Billion Paid, Dialogue Ongoing, Truth Must Be Told', said as an association committed to responsible digital engagement and factual reporting, it considered it necessary to clarify the facts, correct misconceptions, and promote constructive engagement rather than sensational narratives.
The National Secretary of BAVCCA, Tabuko Kennedy in his speech on Friday in Abuja, said BAVCCA constituted an independent Panel of Enquiry comprising experienced content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers, and policy analysts who engaged contractors, Ministry officials, and independent observers to establish facts and assess responsibility.
"The grievances of contractors are genuine. Many have executed verified projects and are experiencing financial difficulties due to delayed payments.
"Payments have commenced and are ongoing. Several contractors confirmed receipt of payments or partial settlements. The Federal Government has stated that about 80 percent of verified obligations have been processed and paid, with the balance at various stages of reconciliation and documentation. We urge completion of the remaining verified payments.
'Engagements between contractor representatives and government officials have resulted in an agreement to convene round table discussions to harmonise records and expedite outstanding payments.
'Our findings confirm that the Minister of State for Finance does not unilaterally control payment execution, which involves multiple agencies and statutory processes. We found no evidence of bad faith, obstruction, or personal misconduct by the Minister," he stressed.
He maintained that while protest is a democratic right, blocking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermines governance and public safety.
"Grievances must be pursued through lawful and structured engagement.
'BAVCCA holds that the incident of Monday, 19th January reflects systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence by the Honourable Minister of State for Finance.
'We call on the Federal Government to conclude outstanding verified payments, contractors to embrace dialogue and documentation driven resolution
'The media to report responsibly and avoid inflammatory narrative Constructive engagement, transparency, and respect for institutions remain the best path forward.,' he noted.
According to him, at the outset, BAVCCA aligned with the official position of the Federal Ministry of Finance, 'which confirmed today that ₦152 billion was been paid yesterday to contractors for duly verified contracts. The Ministry explained that contract payments follow multiple verification and approval stages in line with extant laws and financial regulations, designed to protect public funds while ensuring accountability and transparency."
Kennedy insisted that while acknowledging the financial strain delayed payments may have caused contractors, the Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and engagement as the most effective means of resolving outstanding issues.
'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.
'Our findings confirm that the contractors’ protest predated her assumption of office and was already being handled under the supervision of the Coordinating Minister and relevant government structures. Personalising the issue against her was therefore unfair and misleading.
'Upon assuming office, the Minister appealed to contractors for patience, requested time to fully understand the issues, and committed to working with all relevant institutions to achieve a sustainable resolution, demonstrating good faith and empathy."