Lagos-Calabar Highway workers protest, demand removal of expatriate managers

The workers began protesting on Monday and vowed to continue until the company addressed their complaints. Soldiers and other security personnel arrived at the site during the protest.

The protesters also demanded the reinstatement of Asuquo Ukpayang as Cross River Liaison Officer. They alleged that expatriate managers opposed him because he represented Nigerian workers.

Esikere Peter, a quality control and laboratory worker, told reporters that management had reduced paid working hours, resulting in salary losses. He also alleged that the company failed to record some night shifts that lasted until 11 p.m.

Peter accused an unnamed project manager of arbitrary dismissals, intimidation and threats. He claimed that some managers punished workers who requested materials needed for their jobs.

“We want the project manager, the site manager and the earth-moving supervisor removed because they have continued to treat workers unfairly,” he said.

Peter stressed that the workers wanted fair treatment and respect, not violence or destruction of property.

Stephen Oke, a trailer driver, also accused expatriate managers of disrespecting and intimidating Nigerian employees. He alleged that local workers handled most of the tasks under harsh conditions but received inadequate pay.

Ana Matthew, who handles earth-moving operations and level checking, said workers endured harsh weather without adequate shelter. She also alleged that the company reduced their pay despite their day-and-night work schedules.

Matthew further claimed that the company sold scrap materials previously shared among workers without their consent. She also accused the authorities of using soldiers at the site to intimidate protesters.

Some female workers complained that the company had failed to provide separate restrooms for women. They alleged that expatriate employees had access to multiple facilities.

Ukpayang acknowledged the complaints about salary deductions, unpaid entitlements and alleged unfair treatment.

He said Mrs Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Cross River State governor, had previously raised concerns about workers’ welfare with the company’s management.

Ukpayang promised to engage the company’s senior and local management, the Federal Controller of Works and the Minister of Works to resolve the dispute. He urged the protesters to remain peaceful and nominate representatives for negotiations.

However, the workers insisted that Ukpayang was the only person they wanted to represent them during the talks.

Efforts to obtain the company’s response proved unsuccessful. Its representatives did not answer calls or respond to messages sent to them.

The Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is a federal infrastructure project designed to connect nine states: Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.