From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) and National Union of Civil Engineering Construction Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) have given the Federal Government 21 days ultimatum to resolve the crisis in the sector or it would down tools.
CCESSA National President, Ayodeji Adeyemo and NUCECFWW National President, Stephen Okoro, at a joint press briefing yesterday in Abuja, said contractors were not happy with the slowdown of contract execution due to disagreement between them and the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi.
They said the unilateral imposition of new standard conditions of contracts by Umahi which is contrary to the existing conditions as approved by the Bureau of public procurement (BPP), should be reviewed.
According to them, the dissatisfaction with the minister has affected employment in the industry, leading to mass sack of Nigerian workers who are members of the unions.
They complained that the fracas was in contrast to the Renew Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, disclosing that “we have lost over fifty percent of our members as a result of the disagreement; this situation is bound to further increase poverty and insecurity that the country is grappling with.”
To this end, they said: “Arising from the foregoing, we call on the federal government to: Immediately resolve the conflict in the industry by involving all stakeholders in contract awards like Bureau of Public procurement (BPP), Ministry of Justice, Ministry of works, Council for Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN), Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) etc.
“Put an end to banditry, kidnappings and killings that have been going on in the country, and ensure the safety of our members and all Nigerians in any part of the country.
“Curb inflation that makes the meagre salary of workers worthless as regards its purchasing power. The cost of commodities in the market has constantly been on the rise with workers salary depreciating in value. Government should do more to stabilize the economy.
“Government must device means of stabilizing the Naira against foreign currencies and encourage local productions and consumptions.
“Finally we urge the Minister of Works; the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) and all concerned to amicably resolve the current conflict within twenty one (21) days .Otherwise, the two Unions will be compelled to declare industrial actions in the construction industry in Nigeria to address these issues to prevent further lose of jobs of our members.”
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