Contractors handling the multi billion dollars Zungeru Hydroelectric project in Zungeru, Niger state, CNEEC/SINOHYDRO have denied allegations of violation of Nigeria labour laws leveled against them by some workers.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the contractors said they have been law abiding and that they have since the commencement of the Hydroelectric project in 2013 followed due process in dealing with their workers in accordance with the extant labour laws in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the companies have over 2000 Nigerians in their employment and that in order to execute the project as scheduled; they engaged the services of many subcontractors and suppliers.
It therefore stressed that “in this case, a worker engaged by a subcontractor should not be confused with those directly employed by CNEEC/SINOHYDRO which are the main contractors for the project.”
The statement further disclosed that for a cordial relationship with the host communities; the companies had undertaken some projects under its Civic Social Responsibility; CRS programme as well as provide security not just within the facility but the entire community and its environs.
It insisted that the workers were given their due rights especially to form a union where all decisions including welfare and remunerations are collectively bargained and agreed with the leadership of the union before implementation.
“We are also guided by the national minimum wage approved by the federal government and as a matter of fact, we pay above the national minimum wage.
“We have a robust staff welfare programme. Any staff involved in an accident in our project site is promptly taken care of fully by the Consortium. In case of permanent disability we have special packages spelt out in the employment manual.
“Currently there is an injured staff member and the companies have spent over N2 million on his treatment. For those who died in line of duty, the company handled part of the burial expenses in line with the requirement of the labour law while arrangements are being made for whatever benefits accrued to them including NSTIF.
“The question here is why complain now over a project started since 2013 and is over 95 per cent completed. If suddenly some staff are complaining after over seven years that the project started and now nearing completion it is obvious that there is more than meets the eyes”, the statement added.
It would be recalled that some people who claimed to be staff of the companies had gone to a radio station in Abuja where they accused the contractors of violating labour laws by denying them some of their rights as employees.
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