Construction, Civil Engineering Workers Seek Tinubu’s Intervention In Face-off With Works Ministry

Construction and  Civil Engineering Workers are seeking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervention in their Face-off With Works Ministry that could potentially led to job losses and source of livelihoods.

Construction and civil engineering senior workers association (CCESSA) have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing disagreement between the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) and the Federal Ministry of Works, under the leadership of the Minister, Senator Engr. David Umahi.

The National Executive Committee of the Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CCESSA), made the appeal in a communique signed by the National President Engr. Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo and the General Secretary Comrade Sunday James made available to LEADERSHIP.

The duo said “The construction industry is one of Nigeria’s largest sources of direct and indirect employment. Any prolonged disruption in the relationship between government and contractors has consequences that extend beyond contractors themselves to engineers, quantity surveyors, technicians, artisans, equipment operators, administrative staff, suppliers and thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on the industry.

“FOCI has publicly raised concerns about non-payment for certified work, funding constraints and contract terminations, and has reported significant employment losses associated with the difficulties facing the industry. These concerns deserve urgent attention and structured dialogue among all parties,”.

The association further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently intervene and direct a high-level, tripartite resolution mechanism involving: The Federal Government/Federal Ministry of Works; The Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI); Relevant trade unions and professional associations in the construction and civil engineering sector.

According to them, the meeting is to “resolve outstanding contractual and payment issues. Establish a transparent mechanism for verification and payment of certified works;Review legitimate contractual challenges arising from changes in the cost of materials and other economic conditions. Prevent unnecessary termination or suspension of viable projects; Protect existing construction-sector jobs; Ensure that contractors who are meeting their contractual obligations are supported to continue working; and Establish a predictable framework for future government-contractor relationships,”.

They emphasised that the Renewed Hope Agenda should translate into renewed employment opportunities, not widespread job losses.

“The Federal Government has itself identified infrastructure development as a major driver of economic activity, job creation and national development. The construction industry must therefore be treated as a strategic sector of the Nigerian economy whose stability is directly connected to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda,”.

They lamented the widespread insecurity and rising cost of food, medicines, transportation, construction materials and other essential commodities.

“The construction and civil engineering industry cannot thrive in an environment where workers, contractors, engineers, technicians and other professionals are exposed to threats to their lives and property. Construction sites in many parts of the country require a secure environment for workers to move freely, equipment to be deployed and projects to proceed without interruption,”.