Introduction to the Construction Sector in Nigeria
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has charged construction and civil engineers to advance policies that promote a thriving construction sector in Nigeria. This call was made at the inauguration of the Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CCESSA) ultra-modern national secretariat building on Thursday in Kuje, Abuja.
The Role of the Construction Industry in National Development
Dingyadi emphasized the importance of the construction industry in national development, stating that the infrastructure built today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s prosperity, shaping the future of cities, industries, communities, and the economy. He urged the industry to prioritize sustainable building practices, invest in capacity development, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and safety.
Government and Labour Relations
The Minister reiterated the importance the government attaches to its relationship with social partners, including labour unions. He acknowledged the critical role that CCESSA plays in maintaining a healthy and sound industrial relations climate in Nigeria. Dingyadi praised the association’s commitment to quality structures and preventing building collapses, noting that the engineering profession has made significant progress in minimizing such incidents.
Addressing Building Collapses and Casualisation
The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, highlighted the need to correct the impression that construction engineers are responsible for building collapses. He emphasized that no building collapse has been linked to any registered engineer or construction company, and that the problem lies with the hiring of unqualified individuals. Osifo also condemned the casualisation of construction workers, describing it as a national tragedy that affects all affiliates, and stated that the unions are working to correct this issue.
The New CCESSA Secretariat
The National President of CCESSA, Ayodeji Adeyemo, described the inauguration of the CCESSA secretariat as a new beginning and a beacon for construction and civil engineering excellence in Nigeria. The new secretariat will serve as a hub for knowledge sharing, professional growth, and networking among members. Adeyemo called for unity and innovation in achieving excellence in the construction sector and launched two books, ‘Occupational Health and Safety with Guidelines in Excelling in Local and International Examinations’ and ‘Occupational Health and Safety Simplified’, to share knowledge, best practices, and research in the construction and civil engineering fields.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the construction sector in Nigeria has the potential to drive national development, but it requires the advancement of policies that promote a thriving industry. The government, labour unions, and construction engineers must work together to prioritize sustainable building practices, invest in capacity development, and uphold the highest standards of professionalism and safety. By doing so, Nigeria can build a strong foundation for tomorrow’s prosperity and minimize the risk of building collapses.
FAQs
- What is the role of the construction industry in national development?
The construction industry plays a critical role in national development, as the infrastructure built today lays the foundation for tomorrow’s prosperity. - What is the cause of building collapses in Nigeria?
Building collapses are often caused by the hiring of unqualified individuals, rather than registered engineers or construction companies. - What is the CCESSA secretariat, and what is its purpose?
The CCESSA secretariat is a hub for knowledge sharing, professional growth, and networking among members, aimed at promoting construction and civil engineering excellence in Nigeria.
