By Fabian Ferguson
No fewer than one thousand civil society organisations have called for the resignation of the Minister of State for Finance, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, over the alleged non-payment of about four trillion naira owed to indigenous contractors.
The groups, in a statement, said they support the ongoing protest by contractors in Abuja, describing the situation as avoidable and a result of what they termed negligence by the minister.
According to the civil society organisations, the minister allegedly failed to implement a presidential directive issued in December for the immediate settlement of outstanding debts, despite interventions by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The statement, signed by representatives of several groups, said the delay in payment has worsened financial hardship for local contractors and triggered the renewed demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory.
The CSOs warned that prolonged non-payment could negatively affect the nation’s economy, leading to job losses and increased social challenges.
Meanwhile, members of the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria, AICAN, have also expressed concern over the impact of delayed payments for federal projects.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, AICAN officials said persistent non-payment could weaken the economy, increase unemployment and fuel social vices, including insecurity.
The contractors, who resumed their protest earlier in the week, are demanding the release of over four trillion naira allegedly owed for projects executed under the 2024 federal budget.
As at the time of this report, the Ministry of Finance has yet to issue an official response to the allegations.
