Steel workers at WEMPCO Group in Magboro, Ogun State, say their jobs and decades of service are under threat after armed security personnel reportedly forced employees out of the factory premises.
The Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEWUN) has warned that more than 10,000 workers could be displaced and has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to intervene urgently.
According to the union, the abrupt action has placed the livelihoods of thousands of workers, many of whom have dedicated decades to the company, in jeopardy.
“This company is not idle. Some of our members have worked here for over 30 years, while others have spent more than 20 years. Throughout this period, WEMPCO has never owed workers their salaries,” SEWUN National Treasurer, Comrade Alhaji Nasiru Bello, told journalists during the protest.
Bello said workers deserved certainty regarding their future rather than prolonged uncertainty.
“We are here to protest against injustice. We want to know the fate of workers in this organisation. Throwing over 10,000 people out of work will worsen unemployment and insecurity in the country,” he said.
Union leaders maintained that any dispute between the company’s management and financial institutions should be resolved through legal means and should not come at the expense of employees.
“If there is any misunderstanding between the management and any financial institution, there are legal channels to resolve it. Workers should not be made to suffer for issues beyond their control,” Bello stated.
SEWUN also expressed concern over the implications of the shutdown for salaries and retirement benefits, particularly for long-serving employees.
“We do not know whether salaries will be paid. We do not know what will happen to the entitlements of workers who have served this company for more than 35 years. These are legitimate concerns that must be addressed,” SEWUN Deputy General Secretary, Comrade Julius Ijebor, said.
The union said it would continue its peaceful protests until the government and other relevant stakeholders intervened.
“Our message is clear: workers are in danger, and the government must act to save their jobs. We will remain peaceful, but we will continue to demand answers until the rights and welfare of our members are protected,” Ijebor added.
