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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) has raised the alarm over insecurity and the rising cost of living, warning that threats to workers’ safety and purchasing power are undermining the construction industry.
The association’s concerns were contained in a communiqué issued yesterday after its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting and signed by its National President, Ayodeji Adeyemo, and General Secretary, Sunday James.
“The NEC is deeply concerned about the continuing insecurity in several parts of Nigeria,” the communiqué stated.
“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.
“Construction sites in many parts of the country require a secure environment for workers to move freely, equipment to be deployed and projects to proceed without interruption.”
The association urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence and other crimes, 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 communities affected by insecurity must not be abandoned to criminal elements.
Acknowledging the connection between insecurity, unemployment, poverty and weak economic opportunities at the grassroots, the association urged the government to complement security operations with job creation and economic empowerment.
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On the cost of living, CCESSA said households remained 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 under the rebased Consumer Price Index series.
“For workers, the consequences are severe. Wages are being stretched by the increasing cost of food, housing, transportation, healthcare, school fees and other necessities,” it said.
“Of particular concern is the rising cost and affordability of medicines and healthcare.
“We commend ongoing Federal Government efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical manufacturing and medicine security, but we urge that these initiatives translate into tangible reductions in the cost of medicines and improved access to healthcare for ordinary Nigerians.”
The association called for stronger measures to stabilise food prices and boost domestic production, including increased support for farmers, agricultural workers and food-processing industries.
It also urged the government to adopt policies that would reduce transportation and logistics costs, while supporting local production of medicines, construction materials and other essential goods.
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.
