The Federal Government has confirmed the payment of N152 billion to contractors for verified contracts, as indigenous contractors resumed protests in Abuja over alleged unpaid debts running into trillions of naira.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Federal Ministry of Finance and shared by presidential aide Dada Olusegun on X (formerly Twitter).
The development comes as contractors accuse the government of failing to fully settle obligations for completed capital projects, despite repeated assurances and recent budgetary provisions.
The Federal Ministry of Finance said the N152 billion payment followed due verification processes in line with existing financial regulations. It stressed that payments are only made after thorough checks to ensure accountability and protect public funds.
The ministry maintained that although payment delays have created difficulties for contractors, adherence to due process remains non-negotiable in managing public finances.
Indigenous contractors on Monday returned to the streets of Abuja, demanding payment of what they estimate to be about N4 trillion owed by the Federal Government for completed 2024 capital projects. The protest marks the latest in a series of demonstrations over outstanding contract payments.
Despite the minister’s disclosure, contractors insist that substantial balances remain unpaid, particularly for indigenous firms with limited access to credit and working capital.
The Federal Government has made fresh budgetary provisions to address contractor debt as part of efforts to calm tensions and resolve lingering disputes.
In the 2026 Appropriation Bill, N100 billion was earmarked under a specific budget line for the payment of local contractors’ debts.