BAVCCA supports the Finance Minister and calls for communication
Written by Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA — The Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria, or BAVCCA, has defended Doris Uzoka Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, in the wake of indigenous contractors’ disruptive protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance on Monday, revealing that ₦152 billion has already been paid to verified claimants.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Thursday, BAVCCA said that after thorough inspections, payments to contractors for properly validated contracts were made on Wednesday. The ministry confirmed that roughly 80% of obligations had been fulfilled.
The organization stated, “The Federal Ministry of Finance confirmed today that ₦152 billion was paid yesterday (Wednesday) to contractors for duly verified contracts,” totally supporting the government’s stance.
The Minister of State, who took office less than a month ago, was temporarily prevented from performing her duties on Monday when contractors barred entry to the ministry’s buildings.
According to a statement released by BAVCCA’s national secretary Tabuko Kennedy, an impartial panel of inquiry made up of journalists, analysts, and content creators looked into the contractors’ complaints and concluded that they were valid, but they were filed before the minister took office.
The statement stated, “Our findings confirm that the contractors’ protest predated her assumption of office and was already being handled under the supervision of the Coordinating Minister,” calling any personalization of the matter against Anite “unfair and misleading.”
Delays caused financial burden on contractors, while BAVCCA emphasized ongoing solutions.
“Payments have started and are still being made. The panel noted that a number of contractors attested to receiving cash or partial settlements, and it urged the fulfillment of the remaining validated claims.
BAVCCA issued a warning in response to allegations of a gunshot during the demonstration, saying, “Security agencies have commenced investigations to determine the source of the sound.” We advise moderation and warn against disseminating unsubstantiated allegations.
Finding “no evidence of bad faith, obstruction, or personal misconduct by the Minister,” the association emphasized shared accountability among agencies.
It denounced the blockade while upholding the freedom to protest: “Blocking public offices and preventing officials from performing their duties undermines governance and public safety.”
The issue was described by BAVCCA as “systemic administrative challenges rather than personal failure or negligence by the Honourable Minister.”
It urged contractors to adopt dialogue-driven resolution and demanded that the federal government settle all pending verified payments.
It also instructed the media to steer clear of provocative stories and to report properly.
“Constructive engagement, transparency, and respect for institutions remain the best path forward,” the statement emphasized.
