Coastal Highway workers protest alleged pay cuts; manager pledges review
Workers at Hitech Construction Company’s Section 3B yard in Awi, Cross River State, began a protest on October 26 over alleged pay deductions and poor working conditions, according to published reports.
AIT reported that project manager Boutros Dibs said by telephone that management would meet to address the complaints. The reported commitment does not establish that a settlement was reached.
Workers question paid hours and conditions
The Guardian reported that workers gathered at the yard in Akamkpa Local Government Area on October 28, demanding management changes and action on their grievances.
Esikere Peter, identified as a quality-control and laboratory worker, alleged that reductions in hours recognised for payment had cut employees’ earnings. He also alleged that some night work was excluded from payment records.
Other workers complained about inadequate shelter, while female workers alleged a lack of separate restroom facilities.
The protesters also sought the reinstatement of Asuquo Ukpayang as the project’s state liaison officer, according to the reports. His precise appointment status remains unverified.
Disruption reported at Cross River yard
The Guardian described work at the construction yard as disrupted during its reporting. That account concerns the Section 3B site in Cross River and does not establish a shutdown across the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
Payroll records, employment contracts and current operating status were not independently verified.
Ukpayang said the complaints had been brought to his attention and pledged to engage company management, the Federal Controller of Works and the Minister of Works. He urged workers to remain peaceful and nominate representatives for dialogue.
His proposed engagement and the management meeting reported by AIT remain commitments to address the dispute, rather than confirmation of an agreement.