The Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CCESSA) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the challenges confronting Nigeria’s construction industry for national development.
The National President, Dr Ayodeji Adeyemo, made the appeal in Abuja in a communiqué presented after its National Executive Committee meeting, reviewing the prevailing socio-economic developments within the construction industry.
While commending the President and Federal Government for efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the association said the realities confronting Nigerian workers and their families required “urgent, practical and sustained intervention”.
CCESSA urges the government to intensify the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other criminality, while strengthening intelligence gathering, inter-agency coordination and rapid-response capabilities.
It also demanded adequate security for major infrastructure corridors and construction sites, stressing that “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.”
The association equally urged for measures to stabilise food prices, support farmers, reduce logistics costs and strengthen local manufacturing.
While appealing for the urgent resolution of the dispute between the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) and the Federal Ministry of Works, CCESSA urged President Tinubu to direct the constitution of a high-level, tripartite resolution mechanism involving the Federal Government/Federal Ministry of Works, FOCI, relevant trade unions and professional associations in the construction and civil engineering sector.
The mechanism, Adeyemo said, should resolve outstanding contractual and payment issues, establish transparent verification and payment of certified works, review legitimate challenges arising from changing material costs, prevent unnecessary termination or suspension of viable projects and protect existing construction-sector jobs.
The association appealed that “The Renewed Hope Agenda should translate into renewed employment opportunities, not widespread job losses.”
He pointed out that construction-sector job losses would affect not only workers but dependants, landlords, transport operators, food vendors, schools, retailers and other businesses.
In its direct appeal to the President, CCESSA said, “We respectfully appeal to Mr President to consider these issues as matters requiring urgent presidential attention.”
It maintained that “a secure Nigeria, a stable construction industry, affordable food and medicines, and sustainable employment are mutually reinforcing objectives.”
Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria, the association said its position was “not intended to be confrontational” but “a patriotic appeal for dialogue, urgent intervention, accountability and practical solutions.”
CCESSA pledged to continue supporting constructive government initiatives while responsibly drawing attention to policies and developments that adversely affect workers and the national economy.
CCESSA concluded with a call for collective action, urging government, employers, workers, professional bodies and contractors to place “the national interest, protection of Nigerian jobs and welfare of the Nigerian people above institutional or individual differences.”
It declared, “We want a secure Nigeria. We want affordable food and medicines. We want sustainable jobs. We want a stable construction industry. We want an economy in which Nigerian workers can live with dignity.”
