The Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) has expressed concerns over the rising cost of living and insecurity in Nigeria, warning that these issues pose a significant threat to the construction industry. In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Committee meeting, the association highlighted the need for a secure environment for workers to operate freely. The communiqué was signed by CCESSA's National President, Ayodeji Adeyemo, and General Secretary, Sunday James.
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. The association urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and other crimes. It also demanded adequate security for major infrastructure corridors and construction sites, stressing that communities affected by insecurity must not be abandoned to criminal elements.
The association acknowledged the connection between insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and weak economic opportunities at the grassroots. It urged the government to complement security operations with job creation and economic empowerment. This, CCESSA believes, will help address the root causes of insecurity and improve the overall well-being of workers and the general public.
On the cost of living, CCESSA noted that households in Nigeria remain under severe pressure from the prices of food, medicines, transportation, construction materials, and other essential goods. The association cited National Bureau of Statistics figures showing headline inflation of 15.39 per cent and food inflation of 19.57 per cent in August 2026. These statistics, according to CCESSA, have severe consequences for workers, as wages are being stretched by the increasing cost of necessities.
The rising cost and affordability of medicines and healthcare are of particular concern to CCESSA. While the association commended ongoing Federal Government efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing and medicine security, it urged that these initiatives translate into tangible reductions in the cost of medicines and improved access to healthcare for ordinary Nigerians. This, the association believes, is crucial to improving the well-being of workers and the general public.
To address the challenges facing the construction industry, CCESSA called for stronger measures to stabilise food prices and boost domestic production. The association urged the government to increase support for farmers, agricultural workers, and food-processing industries. It also advocated for policies that would reduce transportation and logistics costs, while supporting local production of medicines, construction materials, and other essential goods.
Finally, CCESSA demanded stronger monitoring against exploitative pricing and anti-competitive practices, alongside targeted interventions to protect workers and vulnerable households from the effects of high living costs. The association believes that these measures will help mitigate the impact of insecurity and rising living costs on the construction industry and the general public.
Key points
- Construction workers in Nigeria are facing severe challenges due to insecurity and high living costs.
- The Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) has urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against terrorism and other crimes.
- CCESSA has called for stronger measures to stabilise food prices and boost domestic production to address the challenges facing the construction industry.
