A delegation of indigenous contractors across Nigeria has commended the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite for her prompt intervention in addressing the long standing issue of outstanding payments owed to members of their community.
Speaking after a meeting with the Minister and her management team, the leader of the delegation, Mr Innocent Asuelimehn, said the engagement was fruitful and reassuring, describing the Minister’s response as timely and encouraging.
Mr Asuelimehn explained that the visit was undertaken on behalf of indigenous contractors nationwide, many of whom have been facing severe financial strain due to unpaid obligations. He expressed profound gratitude to the Minister for stepping in to address the issue, noting that her intervention within 24 hours of their initial engagement was remarkable and worthy of commendation.
According to him, although there is still work to be done, particularly regarding contractors whose payments are yet to be batched, the Minister’s actions have restored hope among members of the community. He added that the contractors are optimistic that she will continue to work with them to ensure that all outstanding liabilities are fully cleared.
Mr Asuelimehn also offered an apology to the Minister over an earlier confrontation, stressing that it was not intentional. He acknowledged that emotions had been high due to the prolonged hardship faced by contractors, but assured that such incidents would not recur going forward.
He further praised the Minister for her warm reception and willingness to sit down and 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 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 reassured them of her commitment to resolving the matter. He disclosed that during their discussions, the Minister assured the contractors that she is working diligently to ensure all liabilities are settled before the end of March.
Mr Amu noted that the Minister informed them 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, stating that her conduct has strengthened their belief that the issue will soon be fully resolved.
They reiterated their gratitude and optimism, expressing confidence that if the current pace is sustained, the long standing payment challenges facing indigenous contractors across the country will finally be brought to an end.
