Northern Youths Issue 7-Day Ultimatum to Infiouest Over Alleged Assault of Workers on Abuja-Kaduna Highway

Northern Youths Issue 7-Day Ultimatum to Infiouest Over Alleged Assault of Workers on Abuja-Kaduna Highway

The Northern Youths Consultative Council of Nigeria (NYCCN) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Infiouest International Construction Company to address allegations of assault, intimidation and alleged inhumane treatment of Nigerian workers on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway.

The group threatened to mobilise youth organisations to barricade the company’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja, if its demands are not met within the stipulated period.

In a statement signed by its National Vice President, Danjuma Bulus Akolo, NYCCN alleged that the company’s Project Management team, led by Project Manager, Mr Fadi Fares, had subjected Nigerian workers to harassment and assault.

The council further alleged that unknown security personnel, including individuals purportedly linked to the Nigerian Army, had been deployed to intimidate workers at the project site.

According to the statement, the alleged actions constitute a violation of the fundamental rights and dignity of Nigerian workers as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

NYCCN called on Infiouest International to urgently investigate the allegations and remove Fares, Mr Gandhi and other persons allegedly involved in the incidents.

The group also appealed to the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, to intervene and, if necessary, review the continued engagement of Infiouest International on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway project.

It also called on the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Human Rights Commission to conduct independent investigations into the allegations and the working conditions of employees on the project.

NYCCN further urged the Chief of Army Staff to investigate the alleged involvement of military personnel in the incidents, sanction any officers or soldiers found culpable, and ensure the return of phones and other gadgets allegedly seized from victims.

The council also demanded immediate medical attention and compensation for workers allegedly injured during the incidents.

“Should INFIOUEST INTERNATIONAL fail to act within the 7-day ultimatum, the Northern Youths Consultative Council of Nigeria, alongside other youth organisations across the nation, will have no option but to mobilise and barricade the company’s headquarters in Mabushi, Abuja to demand justice for Nigerian workers,” the statement said.

The group stressed that it believes in due process and peaceful resolution of workplace disputes, but maintained that alleged assault and intimidation of Nigerian workers should not be tolerated.

“Nigerian lives and dignity are not negotiable,” NYCCN said.