By Victor Ahiuma-Young
LAGOS—Staff of the Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos have faulted the lease of the ministry’s Iponri premises to Chisco Transport for 50 years at N75,666,700,  without relocation arrangement for them.

Under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services, AUPCTRE, the workers alleged that the transport company had  threatened to eject them following the lease.

General Secretary of AUPCTRE Secretary, Mr Phillip Agbokonkon, alleged that the transport company brought in the Police to forcefully eject over 200 workers from the premises.

“The Police came to drive us out on February 17 but for the timely intervention of the Ministry of Works management,” Agbonkon-kon said.

The union leader expressed concern over the fate of the workers and urged the ministry to ensure their proper relocation before concluding any agreement with the transport company.

Investigation confirmed  that the four-acre land, which served as the ministry’s mechanical field headquarters was leased to the transport company for 50 years.

A letter dated December 20, 2010 and signed by Mr E.  Eme on behalf of the Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, indicated that the land was leased to Chisco after an initial deposit of N11 million to the Ministry.

According to the letter, the premises was leased to the company for 50 years at a total amount of N75, 666, 700.

Vanguard checks revealed  that Chisco applied for a lease of the land on Aug. 3, 2010.
When contacted, the Controller, Federal Ministry of Works, Mr Ejike Mgbemena, said he was unaware of the lease of the mechanical field.