The Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CCESSA) has 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. The National Executive Committee of CCESSA made the appeal in a communique signed by the National President Engr. Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo and the General Secretary Comrade Sunday James.
The face-off between FOCI and the Federal Ministry of Works, led by Minister Senator Engr. David Umahi, may lead to job losses and affect the livelihoods of thousands of people. The construction industry is one of Nigeria's largest sources of direct and indirect employment. Any prolonged disruption in the relationship between the government and contractors has far-reaching consequences.
FOCI has raised concerns about non-payment for certified work, funding constraints, and contract terminations, resulting in significant employment losses. These concerns deserve urgent attention and structured dialogue among all parties. CCESSA called on President Tinubu to urgently intervene and direct a high-level, tripartite resolution mechanism involving the Federal Government, FOCI, and relevant trade unions and professional associations.
The proposed meeting aims to resolve outstanding contractual and payment issues, establish a transparent mechanism for verification and payment of certified works, and review legitimate contractual challenges. The parties also seek to prevent unnecessary termination or suspension of viable projects, protect existing construction-sector jobs, and ensure that contractors meeting their obligations are supported.
CCESSA emphasised that the Renewed Hope Agenda should translate into renewed employment opportunities, not widespread job losses. The Federal Government has identified infrastructure development as a major driver of economic activity, job creation, and national development. The construction industry must be treated as a strategic sector of the Nigerian economy.
The current economic challenges, including widespread insecurity and rising costs of essential commodities, make it difficult for the construction and civil engineering industry to thrive. Workers and contractors are facing difficulties, and the industry's stability is directly connected to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
CCESSA and FOCI are seeking a predictable framework for future government-contractor relationships. The association believes that President Tinubu's intervention will help address the challenges facing the industry and ensure that contractors who meet their obligations are supported to continue working.
Key points
- Construction and Civil Engineering Workers seek President Tinubu's intervention in their face-off with the Works Ministry.
- The face-off may lead to job losses and affect the livelihoods of thousands of people.
- The industry's stability is directly connected to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
