Bickering Threatens N156Bn Abuja World Trade Centre

Trade dispute between the construction workers and contractors handling the N156 billion Abuja World Trade Centre project, Messrs Churchgate Group may jeopardize its scheduled completion date, even as the later has shut down on-going construction works.

The 37-story complex which was expected to be handed-over complete before end of 2013 is at present just over 50 percent being at 22nd floor.

But Thursday, matters got to head-on when Messrs Churchgate locked out all low skill workers, otherwise called artisans over wage row.

Some of the workers seen locked out by the contractors told journalists they have been unfairly treated.

“I started work here more than a year ago and from foundation to the 22nd floor we have reached on one of the blocks, they keep paying us N2, 500 daily. We demanded for increased payment and they stopped paying altogether,” a worker who pleaded anonymity told journalists.

But there were also notices pasted outside of the gate by the management of the construction company advising workers who wish to continue to report at its office to collect backlog of salary.

Another notice said the construction site is shutdown due to on-going ‘reorganisation’ process.

“They also put signboards at the gate to inform us about a re-organisation and instructing us to go and collect the arrears of our salaries at Churchgate; that is why we are here. We have also tried to see the management representatives, but nobody is willing to talk to us. They merely sent somebody called `Bola’ to pay us.”

Meantime, armed security operatives ensured that the premises were kept sealed and nobody is allowed in to speak with any management staff. 

The workers also insinuate that construction management which is outsourced to Churchgate had been poorly handled.

The Churchgate Group is represented by First Continental Properties Ltd as management consultants to the project.

The Abuja World Trade Centre is planned to be a discerning edifice expected to have only 132 residences with lavish layouts ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms, duplexes, as well as several alluring penthouses, a landmark internationally-branded hotel and top-rate office accommodation.

Some of facilities designed for the complex are basement parking lots, swimming pools and other world class recreational facilities.

Sitting on 6.102 hectares of land in the Abuja Central Business District, the project was flagged off in the Q3 2011.