The Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CCESSA) has called for improved workers’ welfare, equitable workloads and stronger mental health support to protect employees, their families and productivity in the construction industry.
The National President of CCESSA, Dr Ayodeji Adeyemo, made the call in Abuja during an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria at the association’s 2026 Annual National Seminar, themed “Mental Health Challenges and Stress Management Strategies in the Nigerian Construction Industry”.
Adeyemo explained that economic uncertainties, job losses, rising living costs and healthcare expenses were intensifying workplace stress and threatening family stability.
“Construction workers are really stressed both in their workplaces and at the home front.” Adeyemo observed.
Urging workers to engage their employers over excessive responsibilities and demanding work shifts, the CCESSA president stressed the need to balance professional demands with family life.
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“Aside from losing our jobs, because even currently companies are sacking our people, we don’t want to lose our families.” He emphasised.
He advised workers not to accept unreasonable workloads without adequate rest, encouraging dialogue with employers to address the problem.
British-Nigerian psychiatric and mental health nurse, Mrs Temilola Olagunju, and another resource person, Kathryn Alvis-Green, urged workers to recognise emotional distress, maintain healthy sleep routines, engage in leisure activities and build reliable support systems.
Emphasising the importance of seeking help before stress became overwhelming, Olagunju encouraged workers to take responsibility for their psychological well-being.
“Always remember that you are responsible for your mental well-being,” Olagunju advised.
UK-based mental health expert Steven Ince identified financial difficulties, demanding workplaces, relationship challenges, physical health concerns and major life events as factors that could threaten psychological well-being.
He encouraged workers to maintain a healthy work-life balance, communicate concerns early and seek professional assistance when necessary.
Labour officer and project management professional Uyi-Aivinhyenyo Osagie highlighted emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness and respectful communication as essential tools for resolving conflicts and strengthening teamwork.
Similarly, management and human development expert Kayode Onileowo urged workers to plan ahead, anticipate challenges and communicate effectively when working under tight deadlines.
“Don’t get worried. Don’t get scared. It’s a task that must be done.” Onileowo encouraged.
The resource persons emphasised that employers, workers and unions shared responsibility for reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and creating supportive workplaces.
Assessing the impact of the seminar, CCESSA National Deputy President Cyprian Ighalo called for improved remuneration, workers’ welfare and job security, warning that retrenchment affected entire households.
“When you drop a worker, you are not just dropping a worker, you are putting difficulty into a very large family.” Ighalo warned.
He also urged stakeholders to engage qualified professionals and skilled workers to ensure the delivery of safe and durable infrastructure.
A participant, Elizabeth Oshibote, advocated adequate rest, conducive working environments, sufficient staffing and capacity-building opportunities to improve workers’ well-being and performance.
“As construction workers, we need to hold our health in high esteem and take good care of ourselves, because it is a well body that can discharge our duties appropriately.” Oshibote stressed.
She also encouraged workers to seek assistance and take breaks when necessary.
“It is not a crime for you to seek for help. And it is not a crime for you to relax.” The Participant added.
The association’s National Financial Secretary, Comrade Florence Ogundare, highlighted the additional pressures faced by women balancing professional duties with domestic responsibilities.
She urged workers to take regular breaks, maintain healthy sleep habits and reduce late-night social media use.
The seminar highlighted CCESSA’s commitment to making workers’ mental health an integral part of workplace safety, family stability and sustainable national productivity.
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