Abuja, Jan. 22, 2025 (NAN) The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association of Nigeria (BAVCCA) has urged the protesting local contractors to dialogue with the Federal Government on their outstanding payments.
National Secretary of the association, Mr Kenny Takubo, who made the call while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, also urged the Federal Government to expedite actions on the outstanding payments for concluded projects by the local contractors.
Takubo said the call had become necessary, following Mondays protest which disrupted activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance and prevented the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Anite, from accessing her office.
According to him, while protest is a democratic right, blacking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermine governance and public safety.
He stated that grievances must be pursued through lawful and structured engagements for the good of the country.
Takubo said that following the report of a panel of enquiry, the association could confirm that an additional N152 billion was paid to contractors for duly-verified contracts by the federal government.
He quoted the federal ministry of finance as explaining that contract payments followed multiple verifications and approval stages, in line with extant laws and financial regulations designed to protect public funds, while ensuring accountability and transparency.
Takubo said that BAVCCA constituted an independent panel of enquiry, comprising experienced content creators, investigative journalists, civil society observers and policy analysts.
He said that the panel engaged contractors, ministry officials and independent observers to establish facts and assess responsibilities.
“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 per cent 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 contractors’ representatives and government officials have resulted in an agreement to convene round table discussions to harmonise records and expedite outstanding payments.
“BAVCCA holds that the incident of Monday reflects systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence by the minister of state for finance,” he said.
Takubo called on the federal government to conclude outstanding verified payments, while urging the contractors to embrace dialogue and documentation-driven resolution.
“Constructive engagement, transparency and respect for institutions remain the best path forward,” he said.(NAN)
