Edo Govt Threatens Sanctions Against Chinese Firm Over Workers’ Deaths, Poor Welfare
The Edo State Government has threatened to sanction Rongtai Industries over the deaths of workers and alleged poor welfare and safety conditions at the company.
The state Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Godwin Eshieshie, issued the warning during an inspection of the company following the death of a worker who was reportedly killed by a forklift.
Eshieshie expressed shock after being informed that five workers had died at the company within the last three weeks. The deaths were reportedly linked to a forklift accident, electrocution and a crane-related incident.
The commissioner said the state government would not tolerate the alleged dehumanisation of workers, stressing that Edo remained open to investors but would insist on compliance with safety and labour regulations.
“This is complete dehumanisation of workers. I have never seen such a scenario. A company where about five people died last month,” Eshieshie said.
He noted that his inspection revealed a lack of basic safety equipment, including helmets, safety boots and other protective gear for workers.
According to him, the findings would be contained in a report to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who would determine the appropriate sanctions against the company.
“We are a friendly state. We want investors to come, but people will say the state is driving investors away. The governor has provided an enabling environment for these factories to thrive,” he said.
The commissioner also said the issue of alleged double taxation raised by the company would be included in the report.
He urged the management of Rongtai Industries to prioritise workers’ safety and health, saying companies must not pursue profit at the expense of human lives.
The development followed a recent crisis at the company in which workers, relatives and some youths from the host community reportedly attacked the facility, destroying a section of the premises and more than 20 vehicles and motorcycles.
Edo Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa had earlier visited the company and directed the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to investigate the incident.
A representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Pierce Brritten, who accompanied the commissioner, described the situation as unfortunate, particularly the failure to properly equip workers.
Brritten said workers’ welfare was governed by government regulations and urged the relevant authorities to ensure compliance.
He also disclosed that some expatriate workers remained apprehensive following the attack on the company.
However, the company’s spokesman, Chang Allen, said some workers sometimes refused to use the available safety equipment. He added that injured workers were usually taken to a health centre outside the company for treatment.
The state government said it would await the outcome of the investigation before taking further action.
The state Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Godwin Eshieshie, issued the warning during an inspection of the company following the death of a worker who was reportedly killed by a forklift.
Eshieshie expressed shock after being informed that five workers had died at the company within the last three weeks. The deaths were reportedly linked to a forklift accident, electrocution and a crane-related incident.
The commissioner said the state government would not tolerate the alleged dehumanisation of workers, stressing that Edo remained open to investors but would insist on compliance with safety and labour regulations.
“This is complete dehumanisation of workers. I have never seen such a scenario. A company where about five people died last month,” Eshieshie said.
He noted that his inspection revealed a lack of basic safety equipment, including helmets, safety boots and other protective gear for workers.
According to him, the findings would be contained in a report to Governor Monday Okpebholo, who would determine the appropriate sanctions against the company.
“We are a friendly state. We want investors to come, but people will say the state is driving investors away. The governor has provided an enabling environment for these factories to thrive,” he said.
The commissioner also said the issue of alleged double taxation raised by the company would be included in the report.
He urged the management of Rongtai Industries to prioritise workers’ safety and health, saying companies must not pursue profit at the expense of human lives.
The development followed a recent crisis at the company in which workers, relatives and some youths from the host community reportedly attacked the facility, destroying a section of the premises and more than 20 vehicles and motorcycles.
Edo Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa had earlier visited the company and directed the Ministry of Labour and Productivity to investigate the incident.
A representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Pierce Brritten, who accompanied the commissioner, described the situation as unfortunate, particularly the failure to properly equip workers.
Brritten said workers’ welfare was governed by government regulations and urged the relevant authorities to ensure compliance.
He also disclosed that some expatriate workers remained apprehensive following the attack on the company.
However, the company’s spokesman, Chang Allen, said some workers sometimes refused to use the available safety equipment. He added that injured workers were usually taken to a health centre outside the company for treatment.
The state government said it would await the outcome of the investigation before taking further action.
