By Rahila Abdullahi
Indigenous contractors across Nigeria have commended the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, over intervention in addressing the long-standing issue of debts owed contractors for completed Federal Government projects.
The commendation followed a high-level meeting between a delegation of the contractors and the Minister, alongside members of her management team, where assurances were given on the clearance of outstanding liabilities.
Speaking after the engagement, leader of the delegation, Mr. Innocent Asuelimehn, described the meeting as fruitful, reassuring, and confidence-boosting.
Asuelimehn, noted that the Minister’s response to their concerns was both timely and encouraging, particularly given the prolonged financial hardship faced by indigenous contractors nationwide.
According to him, the delegation visited the Minister on behalf of contractors who have endured severe economic strain due to delayed payments for executed projects.
He expressed deep appreciation for the her intervention, highlighting that her action within 24 hours of their initial engagement was remarkable and deserving of commendations.
Pointing out that “Although there is still work to be done, especially for contractors whose payments are yet to be batched, the Minister’s prompt response has restored hope among our members”.
“We are optimistic that she will continue to work with us until all outstanding liabilities are fully cleared”, he said.
Asuelimehn also tendered an apology to the Minister over an earlier confrontation, stressing that it was unintentional and driven by the emotional toll of years of unpaid obligations. He assured that such incidents would not reoccur.
He further praised the her openness and willingness to engage directly with the contractors, describing the interaction as heart-warming and reassuring.
“Her warm reception and readiness to listen gave us confidence. It showed she is capable, dependable, and a leader whose word can be trusted”, he added, noting that the prolonged debt situation has taken a heavy toll on contractors and their families.
Also speaking, Mr. Akin Amu, another member of the delegation, confirmed that the Minister reaffirmed her commitment to resolving the payment crisis.
Amu disclosed that the minister assured the contractors that efforts are ongoing to ensure all outstanding liabilities are settled before the end of March.
He revealed that the Minister explained she is acting on a clear presidential mandate to ensure prompt delivery and full settlement of the debts within the stipulated timeframe.
“From all indications, it was a productive discussion. We are hopeful that the promises made will be fulfilled,” he said.
The contractors collectively expressed appreciation for the minister’s responsiveness, sense of urgency, and leadership capacity, stating that her conduct has renewed their confidence that the long-standing payment challenges confronting indigenous contractors across the country will soon be resolved.
They concluded by expressing optimism that if the current pace is sustained, the prolonged debt burden on indigenous contractors will finally come to an end, bringing much-needed relief to affected businesses and families nationwide.
