Two Nigerian workers on the Lagos Blue Line rail project were allegedly assaulted by a soldier acting on the orders of a Chinese expatriate from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). The incident reportedly occurred on Friday at the Abule Ado section of the construction project.
According to witnesses, the workers attempted to board the back cabin of a company Toyota Hilux after their shift, sparking the expatriate’s anger. He allegedly directed the soldier assigned to him to “deal extensively with them.”
A witness described the violent scene: “The soldier started hitting the workers with his gun, leaving them badly injured. This is not the first time such incidents have occurred. I’ve witnessed two other cases like this in the last month.”
The witness also highlighted the poor treatment of Nigerian workers at the site, noting that they work long hours—Monday through Sunday—from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for less than ₦70,000 per month.
“This act is dehumanizing,” another observer remarked. “A foreigner ordering a Nigerian soldier, paid by taxpayers, to brutalize fellow Nigerians is unacceptable. The army and Lagos State government must investigate this and ensure justice.”
The assault adds to growing concerns about the treatment of Nigerian workers by foreign contractors. Just weeks ago, a Chinese national was filmed tearing Naira notes in defiance of Lagos State officials attempting to shut down his business for legal violations. The video sparked outrage, with many Nigerians calling for the individual’s arrest.
The Lagos Blue Line rail project, designed to improve urban transit, has faced criticism for labor conditions despite being a critical infrastructure initiative. Calls for accountability and better oversight of expatriates in Nigeria are intensifying.
Authorities have yet to comment on the incident.
