Workers handling Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project have embarked on a strike over alleged salary cuts, intimidation, unpaid entitlements and poor working conditions. The protest, which began on Monday at the construction yard in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, has disrupted work as employees demand improved welfare and the removal of some expatriate managers.
The workers are also demanding the reinstatement of Mr Asuquo Ukpayang as Cross River Liaison Officer, alleging that expatriate managers refused to work with him and instead appointed a community liaison officer they could control. A worker, Mr Esikere Peter, accused management of reducing paid working hours, excluding night shifts from work records and dismissing employees arbitrarily. He said the workers wanted fair treatment and dignity, not violence or destruction of property.
Another worker, Mr Stephen Oke, alleged that Nigerian employees were being intimidated, disrespected and underpaid despite performing much of the work under harsh conditions. Mr Ana Matthew, an earth-moving and level-checking worker, also alleged that staff worked in extreme weather without adequate shelter and that payments had been reduced despite day-and-night shifts. Some female workers further complained about the absence of separate restroom facilities for women, while Matthew alleged that military personnel deployed to protect the facility were being used to intimidate protesters.
The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a flagship infrastructure project of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, is designed to connect nine coastal states: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River. The workers say their strike will continue until their demands are addressed.
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