Employees of Hitech Construction Company working on Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project have downed tools to protest against alleged unfair labor practices, arbitrary salary reductions, and the removal of a key liaison officer. The industrial action commenced at the company construction yard situated in the Awi area of Akamkpa Local Government Area within Cross River State, drawing hundreds of personnel.
Approximately six hundred workers gathered near the starting point of the regional infrastructure project, prompting the deployment of military personnel to secure the facility and prevent escalation. Protesters voiced grievances regarding expatriate management, specifically demanding the reinstatement of the State Liaison Officer, Mr. Asuquo Ukpayang, alongside the removal of several senior foreign managers whom they accused of fostering a hostile work environment.
According to employee representatives, compensation structures had been drastically altered without consultation. A quality control staff member reported that recorded work hours were reduced from eight hours down to two hours, and night shift compensations were eliminated despite employees remaining on duty late into the evening without proper remuneration. Additional complaints focused on poor working conditions, including a lack of shelter during harsh weather and inadequate restroom facilities for female staff members.
Truck drivers and earth-moving equipment operators also stepped forward to describe instances of intimidation and daily disrespect by expatriate supervisors. Despite the tensions, protesting personnel emphasized that their demonstration was peaceful and aimed solely at securing fair treatment and professional dignity for Nigerian workers on the national roadway initiative.
Following the outbreak of the protest, Mr. Ukpayang expressed solidarity with the workforce, noting that concerns regarding withheld entitlements had previously been raised by state figures, including the wife of the Cross River State governor. Ukpayang indicated plans to mediate discussions involving senior corporate management, the Federal Controller of Works, and the Federal Ministry of Works to achieve a permanent resolution.
Source reporting: Leadership — 2026-10-28 23:08:04
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