BAVCCA seeks dialogue as FG releases N152bn to contractors

The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has confirmed that the Federal Government has paid ₦152 billion to contractors for duly verified projects, following protests that disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja. Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, National Secretary of BAVCCA, Tabuko Kennedy, said the […]

The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has confirmed that the Federal Government has paid ₦152 billion to contractors for duly verified projects, following protests that disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, National Secretary of BAVCCA, Tabuko Kennedy, said the payment was confirmed by the Ministry of Finance, stressing that contract payments follow “multiple verification and approval stages” in line with existing financial regulations.

Kennedy said: “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.”

The group explained that the procedures were designed to protect public funds while ensuring accountability and transparency, noting that payments to contractors had commenced and were ongoing.

The press conference followed a protest by indigenous contractors on Monday, January 19, at the Ministry of Finance, during which access to the premises was blocked and official activities disrupted.

BAVCCA said while it acknowledged the financial strain delayed payments may have caused contractors, the Ministry had reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue as the best approach to resolving outstanding issues.

“The Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and engagement as the most effective means of resolving outstanding issues,” Kennedy stated.

Addressing allegations directed at the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, BAVCCA said the protest predated her assumption of office and should not have been personalised against her.

“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,” Kennedy said, adding that “personalising the issue against her was therefore unfair and misleading.”

According to the group, upon assuming office, the minister appealed to contractors for patience and expressed commitment to working with relevant institutions to achieve a sustainable resolution.
BAVCCA also addressed reports alleging that a gunshot was fired during the protest, urging caution against unverified claims.

“Our findings indicate that security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the source of the sound,” Kennedy said.

As part of its intervention, BAVCCA disclosed that it constituted an independent Panel of Enquiry made up of content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers and policy analysts to engage contractors and government officials.

The panel found that contractors’ grievances were genuine, with many having executed verified projects but facing financial difficulties due to delayed payments.

It also confirmed that payments were ongoing, with several contractors acknowledging receipt of funds 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,” Kennedy added.

On ministerial responsibility, the association said its findings showed that the Minister of State for Finance does not unilaterally control payment execution and found no evidence of misconduct.

“We found no evidence of bad faith, obstruction, or personal misconduct by the Minister,” he said.
While recognising the right to protest, BAVCCA cautioned against actions that disrupt public institutions.

“Blocking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermines governance and public safety,” Kennedy added.

BAVCCA called on the Federal Government to conclude outstanding verified payments, urged contractors to embrace dialogue, and appealed to the media to report responsibly.

“Constructive engagement, transparency, and respect for institutions remain the best path forward,” Kennedy added.