Indigenous Contractors Hail Finance Minister Over Swift Action on Outstanding Debts

Indigenous Contractors Hail Finance Minister Over Swift Action on Outstanding Debts

FELICIA OLADELE, Abuja

Indigenous contractors across the country have lauded the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, for her swift intervention in addressing long-standing outstanding payments owed to their members.

The commendation followed a meeting between a delegation of indigenous contractors and the Minister alongside her management team, where the contractors described the engagement as reassuring and productive.

Speaking after the meeting, the leader of the delegation, Innocent Asuelimehn, said the Minister’s response to their concerns was timely and encouraging, noting that her intervention came within 24 hours of their initial engagement.

According to him, the visit was undertaken on behalf of indigenous contractors nationwide, many of whom have been under severe financial strain as a result of unpaid obligations.

“We are grateful to the Minister for stepping in to address this issue. Her intervention within 24 hours of our engagement was remarkable and worthy of commendation,” Asuelimehn said.

While acknowledging that some work still needs to be done, particularly for contractors whose payments are yet to be batched, he said the Minister’s actions have restored hope within the contractor community.

He added that members are optimistic that the Minister will continue to work with them to ensure all outstanding liabilities are fully cleared.

Asuelimehn also tendered an apology to the Minister over an earlier confrontation, stressing that it was unintentional and borne out of frustration from prolonged hardship.

“Emotions were high due to the prolonged hardship faced by contractors, but we assure that such incidents will not recur,” he said.

He further praised the Minister for her warm reception and willingness to engage directly with the delegation, describing the interaction as heart-warming and confidence-boosting.

“It gave us hope that she is capable and dependable, and that her word can be trusted to get the job done,” he said, adding that the debt situation has taken a heavy toll on contractors and their families.

Also speaking, another member of the delegation, Mr Akin Amu, confirmed that the Minister reassured the contractors of her commitment to resolving the matter.

He disclosed that the Minister assured them she is working diligently to ensure all outstanding liabilities are settled before the end of March.

According to Amu, the Minister explained that she is acting on a clear presidential mandate to deliver and ensure that all outstanding payments are cleared within the stipulated timeframe.

“From all indications, it was a fruitful discussion. We are hopeful that the promises made will be fulfilled,” he said.

The contractors collectively expressed appreciation for the Minister’s responsiveness, capacity and sense of urgency, noting that her conduct has strengthened their belief that the issue of unpaid debts will soon be fully resolved.

They reiterated their optimism, expressing confidence that if the current pace is sustained, the long-standing payment challenges facing indigenous contractors across Nigeria will finally be brought to an end.