The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has called on construction workers and professionals to actively develop and implement policies that will strengthen Nigeria’s construction industry and ensure long-term sustainability.
Speaking on Thursday at the inauguration of the ultra-modern national secretariat of the Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CCESSA) in Kuje, Abuja, Mr Dingyadi emphasised the need for improved building practices, safety protocols, and professional standards within the sector.
“The construction industry must lead with integrity, invest in capacity building, and commit to environmentally sustainable practices,” he said. “We must uphold the highest standards of professionalism to safeguard lives and enhance infrastructure development.”
The minister commended CCESSA for its role in promoting quality building standards and reducing the occurrence of structural failures. He noted that recent reports show significant progress in tackling the issue of building collapse in the country.
Also speaking at the event, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, defended the professionalism of certified engineers, stating that no known building collapse had been linked to any registered engineer or recognised construction firm.
He decried the increasing trend of casualisation of construction workers, calling it a “national tragedy” aimed at cutting costs at the expense of workers’ welfare. Mr Osifo assured that the TUC and its affiliates were taking action to address the issue across the industry.
In his remarks, CCESSA President Ayodeji Adeyemo described the unveiling of the new secretariat as a major milestone, hailing it as a hub for innovation, knowledge sharing, and professional development.
“This building is more than a structure—it’s a beacon of excellence for the construction and civil engineering community,” he said.
Mr Adeyemo also announced the launch of two new publications, Occupational Health and Safety with Guidelines in Excelling in Local and International Examinations and Occupational Health and Safety Simplified. He said the books were part of the association’s drive to improve knowledge, safety, and global competitiveness in the sector.
The event was attended by industry leaders, union representatives, and government officials.
