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FG Pays Another ₦152bn to Contractors, Urges Dialogue Over Disruption

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Cyril Ogar

The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA) has revealed that ₦152 billion was paid yesterday to contractors with verified contracts, as part of efforts to resolve a protest that disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Monday, January 19.

The protest, staged by indigenous contractors over outstanding payments for executed contracts, prevented access to the ministry’s premises and briefly blocked Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka Anite, from entering her office.

BAVCCA, in a press conference addressed in Abuja by its National Secretary, Tabuko Kennedy on Thursday, January 22, clarified that the issue predated Anite’s assumption of office and was already being addressed by relevant government structures. The association’s independent panel of enquiry found the contractors’ grievances genuine, with many facing financial difficulties due to delayed payments.

According to BAVCCA, about 80% of verified obligations have been processed and paid, with the balance at various stages of reconciliation and documentation. The Federal Government has agreed to convene roundtable discussions with contractor representatives to harmonize records and expedite outstanding payments.

BAVCCA commended Anite’s commitment to resolving the issue, emphasizing that she had appealed for patience and requested time to understand the issues. The association urged contractors to pursue grievances through lawful and structured engagement, while calling on the media to report responsibly and avoid inflammatory narratives.

The incident has highlighted systemic administrative challenges, rather than personal failure or negligence by the Minister of State for Finance, BAVCCA noted.

The association urged, “the Federal Government to conclude outstanding verified payments.
“Contractors to embrace dialogue and documentation driven resolution.
“The media to report responsibly and avoid inflammatory narratives.
“Constructive engagement, transparency, and respect for institutions remain the best path forward.

PART OF THE STATEMENT READS
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.

BAVCCA Panel of Enquiry
BAVCCA constituted an independent Panel of Enquiry comprising experienced content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers, and policy analysts. The panel engaged contractors, Ministry officials, and independent observers to establish facts and assess responsibility.

Our Findings
The grievances of contractors are genuine. Many have executed verified projects and are experiencing financial difficulties due to delayed payments.

Status of 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.

Dialogue and Resolution
Engagements between contractor representatives and government officials have resulted in an agreement to convene round table discussions to harmonise records and expedite outstanding payments.

Ministerial Responsibility
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.

Rule of Law and Conduct
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, the statement concludes.

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DNKI President Champions Humanitarian Service, Sustainable Community Development

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Cyril Samania

The President of De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI), Chief Oliver Patrick Ityohegh, has reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian service, stressing the importance of supporting vulnerable people and improving community welfare beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day.

Ityohegh stated this during the organisation’s Cauldron Night and Award Presentation held to commemorate its 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration, theme: “Humanity First: Advancing Hope, Dignity and Community Well-being.” organised by the DNKI Abuja Chapter.

He emphasised that humanitarian service should be a continuous responsibility driven by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in society.

According to him, DNKI’s humanitarian activities reflect its dedication to giving back to society and supporting people in need, while encouraging members to sustain initiatives that promote human dignity and community well-being.

He added that the organisation would continue to strengthen its humanitarian engagements through practical interventions aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people and promoting community development.

Speaking at the event, the representative of the Abuja Chapter Chairman and Chairman of its Advisory Council, Prince Efiong Okpe, said the organisation’s humanitarian activities extended beyond the annual celebration of Humanitarian Day on October 15.

Okpe explained that DNKI undertook several initiatives throughout the year, including blood donation exercises, visits to hospitals and correctional centres, as well as support for orphanages and other vulnerable groups.

According to him, the organisation also collaborated with humanitarian bodies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to identify areas of need and provide assistance within its available resources.

He described Humanitarian Day as an opportunity for members to renew their commitment to service and demonstrate solidarity with people facing difficult circumstances.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee and Coordinator of the DNKI Gwagwalada Zone, Mr Etudaiye Hamzat, disclosed that the chapter had provided financial assistance to some members to help pay their children’s school fees, alongside distributing bags of rice and other relief items to members experiencing hardship.

Hamzat explained that the interventions followed concerns over the difficulties some members faced in meeting their family responsibilities, particularly the rising cost of their children’s education.

He maintained that supporting members in need was consistent with the organisation’s humanitarian principles, adding that DNKI remained committed to extending assistance to non-members and vulnerable communities as part of its commitment to leading by example.

Looking ahead, Hamzat said the Abuja Chapter planned to expand its humanitarian outreach to remote communities within the FCT, with particular attention to orphanages, schools and widows facing difficulties in meeting their family responsibilities.

He also recalled previous interventions for internally displaced persons (IDPs), which included the distribution of food, clothing and educational materials, noting that the chapter intended to scale up such initiatives in the coming year.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding members and distinguished non-members in recognition of their contributions to humanitarian service.

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