By Amos Aar
BAUHAUS Global Ltd, the Chinese construction firm handling major projects in Benue State, has significantly improved the welfare of many of its workers following persistent media reports by National Record and Premium Times which exposed alleged labour rights violations in the company.
An initial investigative report by Premium Times had alleged that several workers were earning as low as ₦30,000 monthly, far below Nigeria’s ₦70,000 minimum wage. It also highlighted the absence of employment letters, lack of insurance coverage, discouragement of unionisation, and irregular compensation for overtime and workplace injuries.
A follow-up investigation by National Record captured the company’s responses. The Project Manager, Engr. Charbel Al-Ammar, denied exploitation but admitted to gaps in labour practices.
He confirmed that employment documents were not routinely issued, that the firm operated no insurance scheme for workers but relied on ad-hoc payments for injured workers, and that he sometimes acted as a “union chairman” for staff.
Weeks after the reports attracted public attention, National Record confirmed that Bauhaus has now issued formal employment letters to staff.
A substantive worker, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the new letters outline a structured welfare package representing a major departure from previous conditions.
He said the updated remuneration includes a basic salary of N288,000, outstation allowance of N158,400, transport allowance of N115,200, hospital allowance of N86,400, and a meal allowance of N72,000, amounting to N720,000 monthly for eligible workers.
According to him, the poor salaries previously paid had been the workers’ major grievance, adding that the increase has restored morale.
He further noted that although other concerns had been raised in the past, “salary was our major problem, and now that it has been addressed, people are okay and motivated.”
However, the improved welfare package has not been extended to the company’s casual staff. A casual worker told National Record that some earn N2,800 daily while others receive N3,000. “How can someone feed from that meagre amount of money?” he asked, adding that overtime allowance is not paid immediately but is settled at the end of the month, making it difficult for them to cope.
Another casual staff member said: “They pay me N46,000. I don’t receive any allowances. I cannot accept claims of payments that I’m not getting.” His reaction followed Al-Ammar’s assertion that all workers, including security personnel, earn at least N60,000 or are paid in line with the national minimum wage. Another worker also claimed he earns N2,400 daily.
Bauhaus, which has handled major contracts including the N6 billion Makurdi High-Level Underpass and the N68 billion Wurukum-Airforce Base Road, remains under public scrutiny.
