Contractors refute FG’s N700bn payment claim, resumes protest

Contractors under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) have dismissed claims that the Federal Government disbursed N700 billion to their members, insisting that the majority of outstanding payments remain unpaid.

The contractors on Monday resumed their protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, expressing frustration over delays in settling payments for projects executed in 2024.

Speaking during the demonstration, AICAN National President, Jackson Nwosu, said about 85 percent of contractors were yet to receive payment despite repeated assurances from government officials.

Nwosu maintained that many contractors continue to face financial difficulties due to the prolonged delay, urging the government to clear verified outstanding obligations without further postponement. He stressed that the association would continue to press for the release of funds owed to its members.

He said the association had previously engaged the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General, where they were informed that about N40 billion would be released initially for settlement.

Nwosu explained that contractors had submitted verified payment documentation across various categories and expected funds to be disbursed by the previous Friday, but that did not happen.

“We were expecting payments to reflect in beneficiaries’ accounts by Friday, but that did not happen. Only a few persons have received payments,” he said.

He accused the government of failing to fully honour agreements reached with contractors, adding that many had taken loans to execute projects and were now under financial pressure.

National Secretary of AICAN, Babatunde Seun, also questioned reports of a N700 billion disbursement, saying members had not seen evidence of such payments.

“We came out because of reports that N700 billion had been approved. Many contractors are still unpaid,” he said.

He called for full payment of completed projects, adding that delays in processing warrants across Ministries, Departments and Agencies were worsening the backlog.

Responding to the protesters, Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Sanusi, said approval of funds does not automatically translate to immediate payment.

He said the government was working through outstanding liabilities and that disbursement processes were ongoing.

“Approval is different from payment. We are working on contractors’ payments,” he said.

Sanusi added that N700 billion had been approved for contractors, alongside an additional N70 billion for payments to the association, assuring that disbursements would begin soon.

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