Coastal Highway workers protest, demand removal of expatriate managers
AI Executive Briefing
Gemini Flash AI~45s readWorkers on Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway have initiated a protest to demand the removal of expatriate managers due to systemic mistreatment and financial grievances. The workers are seeking improved working conditions and the reinstatement of their preferred liaison officer, Mr. Asuquo Ukpayang, amidst a heavy security presence at the site.
Context & Background
- ✦The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a major federal infrastructure project spanning multiple states including Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River.
- ✦The dispute highlights ongoing tensions regarding the treatment of local Nigerian workers by expatriate management on large-scale federal infrastructure projects.
Key Figures & Named Entities
Asuquo Ukpayang:Former Cross River Liaison Officer whom workers want reinstated to lead negotiations.Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu:Wife of the Cross River State governor, who previously raised concerns regarding worker welfare with the company.
Outlook & Next Steps
Mr. Ukpayang has pledged to engage with the company’s senior management, the Federal Controller of Works, and the Minister of Works to facilitate dialogue, while workers continue to insist on his involvement in negotiations.
Key Takeaways
AI Summary- Workers on Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway have launched a protest demanding the removal of expatriate managers over allegations of salary deductions, intimidation, and poor working conditions.
- Protesters are specifically calling for the reinstatement of Mr. Asuquo Ukpayang as the Cross River Liaison Officer, citing his advocacy for their interests.
- The protest has led to the deployment of security personnel, including soldiers, to the project site, while workers continue to demand better treatment and dignity.
Key Facts:Monday: Workers began their protest action at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Section 3B site.11 p.m.: Night shift work hours were allegedly excluded from official records, with some shifts extending until 11 p.m.
Editorial Excerpt
Workers handling Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project have demanded the removal of expatriate managers over alleged salary deductions, unpaid entitlements, intimidation and poor working conditions.The workers, who began protesting on Monday, vowed to sustain the action until...
Frequently Asked Questions About This Story
What are the primary grievances of the workers on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project?
Workers allege salary deductions, unpaid entitlements, intimidation, poor working conditions, lack of separate restroom facilities for women, and the arbitrary dismissal of staff.
Who are the workers demanding to be reinstated as their representative?
The workers are demanding the reinstatement of Mr. Asuquo Ukpayang as the Cross River Liaison Officer, claiming he is the only person they trust to represent their interests in negotiations.
