Introduction to CCESSA’s Conference
Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA) has urged the Federal Government to always endeavour to align all development policies with the needs, understanding and support of Nigerians. CCESSA National President, Ayodeji Adeyemo, made the appeal at the association’s First Quadrennial Delegates Conference with the theme: “Responsible Leadership: Key to Sustainable Development and Progress,” on Friday, in Abuja.
The Need for Aligning Policies with Public Needs
Adeyemo said that government policies must be deliberately tailored to bring visible relief to the masses, who are grappling with poverty, insecurity, and infrastructural challenges. He explained that this was necessary because the masses were always the bearers of the yoke of government policies. “Economic policies must have the backing of the Nigerian masses with clear understanding of the timeline —both short and long term benefits.” Most construction workers are unable to send their children to school now due to the economic situation in the country.
Support for Reforms and Policy Evaluation
He emphasised that policies should be supported by the greater majority of the masses, and subject to constant evaluation by all stakeholders. Adeyemo called for a robust mechanism to cushion the negative effects of various government reforms. The CCESSA president added that policy reforms should be made known to the people and not to be understood by the people in government alone.
Addressing Insecurity and Electricity Challenges
Adeyemo also called for greater political will to curb the country’s prevailing insecurity, as well as the electricity sector’s challenges to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. As stakeholders in Nigeria’s infrastructural development, CCESSA would like the Federal Government to have an all-inclusive standard procedure for evaluation of contractors and contract awards.
Conference Objectives and Minister’s Assurance
According to him, the conference provides CCESSA with an invaluable opportunity, not only to reflect, but to strategise and inspire the direction to chart for the next four years. Also speaking, Dr Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, assured CCESSA of the ministry’s continued support, adding that the ministry appreciated the contribution of the union to national development. Dingyadi, represented by Mr Alex Olebe, the ministry’s Registrar of Trade Unions, urged unions to register their presence in the ministry.
Challenges in the Construction Industry
The President, Federation of Construction Industries (FOCI), Vincent Barrah, said that in spite of the importance of the Nigerian construction industry, it remained a sector faced with formidable headwinds. Barrah said the sector was beset by escalating project costs driven by volatile exchange rates, inflation and disruption in material supply chains due to global and local economic instability. He added that the difficulty in accessing finance, policy inconsistencies and delays in payments for completed works and security challenges also threatened both projects and lives.
Partnership Between Labour and Employers
Barrah noted that without a thriving and sustainable construction sector, workers, companies, and the nation would all become losers. He reaffirmed that FOCI and CCESSA would remain steadfast partners as stakeholders in nation-building. This will not only enable them to survive the difficult times but it will also position the nation’s construction sector for renewed growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CCESSA conference highlighted the need for the Federal Government to align its policies with the needs of Nigerians, particularly in the construction and civil engineering sector. The association emphasized the importance of responsible leadership, sustainable development, and progress. The conference also underscored the challenges facing the construction industry and the need for partnership between labour and employers to ensure the sector’s survival and growth.
FAQs
Q: What was the theme of the CCESSA conference?
A: The theme of the CCESSA conference was “Responsible Leadership: Key to Sustainable Development and Progress.”
Q: What are the major challenges facing the construction industry in Nigeria?
A: The major challenges facing the construction industry in Nigeria include escalating project costs, difficulty in accessing finance, policy inconsistencies, delays in payments for completed works, and security challenges.
Q: What is the position of FOCI and CCESSA on the construction industry?
A: FOCI and CCESSA are steadfast partners as stakeholders in nation-building, and they believe that a thriving and sustainable construction sector is essential for the growth and development of the nation.
Q: What is the role of the Minister of Labour and Employment in the conference?
A: The Minister of Labour and Employment assured CCESSA of the ministry’s continued support and appreciated the contribution of the union to national development. The minister also urged unions to register their presence in the ministry.
