By Angela Atabo
The Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CCESSA) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in insecurity, rising cost of living and the challenges affecting the construction industry.
The association made the appeal in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and signed by its National President, Dr Ayodeji Adeyemo, and General Secretary, Sunday James, on Wednesday in Abuja.
It also commended the Federal Government for its economic reforms and infrastructure development initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The association, however, said the realities confronting workers and their families required urgent and sustained intervention to improve their welfare and protect their livelihoods.
According to CCESSA, 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.
“We call on the Federal Government to intensify the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other forms of criminality.
“We also want government to strengthen intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination and rapid-response capabilities.
“Government should provide adequate security for major infrastructure corridors and construction sites and ensure that communities in areas affected by insecurity are not abandoned to criminal elements,” it said.
The association urged the government to complement security measures with job creation and economic empowerment initiatives, particularly for young Nigerians.
It also called for measures to stabilise food prices, strengthen domestic food production and support farmers, agricultural workers and food-processing industries.
According to CCESSA, policies were also needed to reduce transportation and logistics costs, support local manufacturing of medicines and construction materials and strengthen monitoring against exploitative pricing.
The association said the government should equally tackle anti-competitive practices capable of worsening the cost of goods and services and putting additional pressure on workers and businesses.
It also raised concern over the continuing disagreement between the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) and the Federal Ministry of Works.
The association warned that any prolonged disruption in the relationship between the government and contractors could negatively affect the value chain and employment opportunities in the construction sector.
“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.”
The association said the concerns deserved urgent attention and structured dialogue among all relevant parties to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
It therefore appealed to Tinubu to establish a high-level tripartite resolution mechanism involving the Federal Government and Ministry of Works, FOCI, trade unions and professional associations in the construction and civil engineering sector.
The association noted that the proposed mechanism should resolve outstanding contractual and payment issues and establish a transparent process for verifying and paying for certified works.
According to CCESSA, legitimate contractual challenges arising from changes in the cost of materials and other economic conditions should also be reviewed to prevent unnecessary termination or suspension of viable projects.
It further urged the government to protect existing construction-sector jobs and support contractors meeting their contractual obligations to continue working.
The CCESSA president said infrastructure development had been identified by the Federal Government as a major driver of economic activity, job creation and national development.
He, therefore, stressed that the construction industry should be treated as a strategic sector of the economy, with job preservation and creation made central considerations in decisions concerning public infrastructure contracts.
Adeyemo explained that the loss of construction jobs had a multiplier effect on dependants, landlords, transport operators, food vendors, schools, retailers and other businesses that depended on workers’ incomes.
On poverty, he urged the Federal Government to intensify programmes aimed at creating decent employment, expanding social protection, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and reducing the cost of food and transportation, while improving access to healthcare and education.
Adeyemo said the construction industry had the capacity to employ millions of Nigerians directly and indirectly while providing roads, bridges, housing, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure required for national development.
“We therefore urge President Tinubu to use the authority of his office to bring all relevant parties together, resolve the current industry challenges and restore confidence among workers, contractors, investors and other stakeholders.”
The CCESSA president called on all parties to place the national interest, protection of Nigerian jobs and welfare of Nigerians above institutional or individual differences.
“We want a secure Nigeria, affordable food, medicines, sustainable jobs and a stable construction industry; we want an economy in which Nigerian workers can live with dignity and a Renewed Hope that is felt in the workplace, the household and every community across Nigeria.” (NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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