A coalition of indigenous contractors has issued a strong appeal to contractors nationwide to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue with the Federal Ministry of Finance over outstanding debts, cautioning that continued protests could jeopardize ongoing reforms in the payment system.
Coalition Advocates for Strategic Patience
The group, operating under the banner of the Coalition for Sustainable Fiscal Reform (CSFR), emphasized that the current verification and payment process being implemented by the Ministry of State for Finance is designed to resolve long-standing contractor debt in a sustainable and structured manner. Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja, the coalition's National Coordinator, Dr. Ridwan Kadiri, acknowledged the deep frustrations of contractors who are owed for executed projects but warned against actions that could destabilize the reform process.
Addressing Inherited Challenges
According to the coalition, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, inherited a contractor debt profile plagued by inconsistencies, weak verification mechanisms, and recurring arrears. This situation necessitated a comprehensive structural reset of the payment framework to ensure long-term stability and accountability.
The coalition explained that the ministry's insistence on thorough verification is aimed at guaranteeing that payments are made exclusively to contractors who have fully delivered on their projects. This approach is intended to protect genuine indigenous contractors and prevent the misuse of public funds, thereby fostering a more transparent and equitable system.
Recent Disbursements and Reform Efforts
The coalition highlighted that recent disbursements of funds followed a de-bottlenecking exercise aimed at eliminating fictitious and inflated claims, which have historically slowed down payment processes. This step is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and enhance efficiency within the ministry's financial management systems.
CSFR also criticized calls for the resignation of Minister Uzoka-Anite, describing them as misplaced and potentially capable of derailing the reform agenda. Dr. Kadiri stated, "We are witnessing a move away from 'surface-level solutions', those temporary palliatives that have historically failed to end the cycle of debt. Instead, the Minister is implementing an organic solution that addresses the problem from the root. This ensures that once a contractor is paid, the system is strengthened to prevent future arrears from ever accumulating again."
Protecting Genuine Businesses
The coalition pointed to the Minister's rigorous verification exercise as a protective measure for legitimate indigenous businesses, noting that Dr. Uzoka-Anite has introduced a culture of accountability that was previously lacking. "To demand a resignation at this critical junction of reform is to invite chaos. We cannot afford to restart the clock now when the machinery for sustainable payment is finally being calibrated," the coalition added.
Warning Against Leadership Changes
CSFR warned that forcing a leadership change at the ministry during this reform process could destabilize the emerging framework for sustainable payments. "To disrupt the process now is to risk restarting the cycle of confusion and debt accumulation," the coalition emphasized, underscoring the importance of continuity and stability in achieving lasting solutions.
Call for Constructive Engagement
The group urged the leadership of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN) to adopt what it described as "strategic patience," noting that the 2026 fiscal framework includes provisions for clearing outstanding contractor obligations from 2024 and 2025. It stressed that constructive engagement with the ministry would be more effective than street protests in resolving outstanding issues, advocating for a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
The coalition reaffirmed its support for the finance ministry's reform agenda and pledged to monitor the disbursement process closely to ensure transparency and fairness for legitimate contractors across the nation. This commitment aims to build trust and foster a more cooperative relationship between contractors and government agencies moving forward.
