The BWI-affiliated National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive social dialogue as a cornerstone of decent work, workplace stability and sustainable industry growth.

Under the BWI-SBTF Union-to-Union Project, NUCECFWW convened a two-day Strategic Social Dialogue Meeting in Abuja from 13–14 August 2026, bringing together union leaders, branch representatives and key industry stakeholders. Led by National President Comrade Stephen Okoro and General Secretary Comrade Ibrahim Walama, the meeting featured the participation of the Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), represented by Mr. Benjamin Kwembe, Manager of Industrial and Human Relations.

Participants explored how sustained engagement between workers, employers and government can help resolve workplace challenges, protect workers' rights, advance decent work and improve productivity. With six male and three female participants, the meeting underscored the need to make social dialogue a permanent and institutionalized feature of industrial relations, from the workplace level to broader industry engagement.

The discussions highlighted a simple but powerful message: strong workplaces are built on trust, cooperation and open communication. By fostering constructive relationships between employers and employees, social dialogue can contribute to:

• Better workers' welfare and protection
• Peaceful and stable workplaces
• Effective resolution of industrial challenges
• Improved productivity and business performance
• Sustainable growth across the construction industry

The Abuja meeting marks another important step in NUCECFWW's efforts to promote collaborative and sustainable industrial relations. By bringing workers and industry stakeholders to the same table, the union is helping build a culture where dialogue replaces confrontation and cooperation drives progress.

NUCECFWW's message is clear: when workers, employers and government engage meaningfully, everyone benefits, and the construction industry grows stronger.