More than 600 workers of Hitech Construction Company have protested alleged salary cuts, intimidation and unfair treatment at Section 3B of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Cross River State, demanding the removal of three Lebanese expatriates and the reinstatement of their liaison officer.
The protest began on Monday, October 26, at the company’s construction yard in Awi, Akamkpa Local Government Area, with workers accusing management of arbitrary wage deductions, unpaid working hours and disregard for Nigerian employees, according to a report by The Cable.
The workers also demanded the reinstatement of Asuquo Ukpayang, the project’s state liaison officer, whom they said should be restored to his position.
Esikere Peter, a quality control and laboratory worker, alleged that management had reduced the number of paid working hours from eight to two daily, resulting in significant salary losses.
He also claimed that night shifts were excluded from workers’ records, despite employees working until 11pm without payment for those hours.
Peter accused Boutrous, the project manager, of arbitrary dismissals, intimidation and penalising workers who requested materials needed to perform their duties.
“We are demanding the removal of the project manager, the site manager, Mr Tony, and earth-moving supervisor, Mr Shabel, who have continuously treated workers unfairly,” he said.
“We the workers are not protesting to destroy property or cause violence. We just want Nigerian workers to be treated fairly and with dignity.”
Stephen Oke, a trailer driver, also accused the expatriates of intimidating and mistreating Nigerian workers.
“Nigerian labourers do all the work in harsh conditions, yet we are cheated, shortchanged and underpaid,” Oke said.
Ana Matthew, an earth-moving and level-checking worker, said employees worked under harsh weather conditions without adequate shelter.
Matthew further alleged that management had deployed military personnel to intimidate workers and reduced their wages despite their working both day and night shifts.
He also claimed that scrap materials previously shared among employees were being sold without their consent.
Female workers at the site raised concerns about sanitation facilities, alleging that there were no separate restrooms for women, while expatriates had access to multiple restrooms.
The protesters also alleged that the expatriates had refused to work with Ukpayang and instead imposed a community liaison officer they could control.
Reacting to the protest, Ukpayang expressed solidarity with the workers and confirmed that complaints had been raised over salary deductions and unpaid entitlements.
He said Eyoanwan Otu, wife of the Cross River governor, had previously raised concerns about workers’ welfare with Hitech management and urged the company to ensure fair treatment.
Ukpayang promised to engage the company’s senior management, the federal controller of works and the minister of works to facilitate negotiations.
He also urged the protesters to remain peaceful and nominate representatives to participate in dialogue with the relevant authorities.
As of Wednesday, activities at the construction yard remained grounded, with the workers vowing to continue the protest until their demands were met.
Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.
