Ini Billie, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government, Public Complaints Commission, Nigeria Society of Engineers and other stakeholders have advocated the protection of indigenous engineers and craftsmen against discrimination by foreign construction companies.
The advocacy was stated on Tuesday in Uyo during a town hall/Public hearing on “Systemic and Proactive Investigation into Discrimination of Local Engineers and Craftsmen by Foreign Construction Companies” organised by the Public Complaints Commission.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour during the event, Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said there was a need to protect the dignity, professionalism, and interest of the nation’s indigenous workforce.
Uwah who was represented by Mr Idorenyin Orok, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters said the government has been promoting local content and creating an environment that encourages the active participation of local professionals.
“The government of Akwa Ibom State is unwavering in its resolve to address this issue. We aim to create an enabling environment where local professionals thrive, contributing their skills and ingenuity to the development of the State.
“The State government will work hand in hand with the Public Complaints Commission and other relevant bodies to ensure that the rights of our local engineers and craftsmen are protected, and their contributions to our development Agenda fully harnessed.
“We are committed to upholding the principles of local content in every sector, particularly in construction and engineering to ensure that our indigenous talents are not only recognized but prioritized,” he stated.
While speaking, the Federal Commissioner, Public Complaints Commission, Akwa Ibom State, Prince Ubong Uwah said the agency has received concerns about local craftsmen being overlooked in contract awards and participation in execution.
Uwah stated that out of 400 public complaints received, 300 have been resolved 300, adding that the forum would explore solutions to the problems by identifying strategies to promote equal opportunities for engineers and craftsmen.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of local organizations and individuals who have been advocating for this cause. Your dedication is invaluable, and we will build upon your work,” he said.
In his keynote address, Akwa Ibom State Chairman, Nigeria Society of Engineers, Engr. Emem Ezekiel said discrimination against Nigerian engineers and craftsmen was not just a local issue, but a national concern, noting that it stemmed from the lack of recognition and appreciation for the skills and expertise of Nigerian engineers.
“We have witnessed numerous instances where foreign construction companies have been awarded contracts, only to sideline local engineers and craftsmen.
“This not only denies our members the opportunity to contribute to the development of our state but also undermines the growth of our economy.
“As engineers, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. We believe that every individual, regardless of their nationality, should have equal opportunities to compete for contracts and contribute to the development of our state,” he stated.
Ezekiel listed some of the challenges confronting the professionals including the systematic exclusion of engineers from projects, wage disparities, limited skill transfer opportunities, preconceived notions about engineers’ competence, overdependence on foreign expertise, and capital flight among others.
He called for the enforcement of local content policies, promotion of knowledge and skill transfer, and wage equity among others.