Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged the management of Rongtai Building Materials Nigeria Ltd. to strengthen safety measures for its workers and improve security around its facility in Utesi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.
Okpebholo gave the charge on Wednesday when he visited the company following a protest by workers over the death of a colleague. He also urged the company to remain committed to its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the host community, while calling for improved roads and stronger security around the facility.
Speaking during the visit, the governor described the incident as sad and condemned the attack on the company, saying the protest was triggered by anger over the death of a young staff member.
“Our culture values life, and I advise you to ensure the safety of your staff. Security and safety measures should be put in place. If you had a clinic here, what happened would not have happened,” Okpebholo said.
He also urged the organisation to carry out its CSR responsibilities and provide a good road within the premises where it operates.
The governor expressed satisfaction that the company was already building a clinic and had started the process of purchasing an ambulance and recruiting doctors.
Okpebholo also called on the company to fix the bad road leading into the facility, saying criminals could take advantage of poor roads to attack vehicles coming into the company.
“For the sake of CSR, just fix the bad road to discourage hoodlums from attacking vehicles coming into your company. Criminals take advantage of bad roads to cause havoc,” he said.
The governor apologised on behalf of the state government for the loss of life and property and noted that the company had more than 8,000 workers.
“As a government, we are sorry for the loss of life and property. I am glad that you have over 8,000 workers here, and I believe you will employ more,” Okpebholo said.
He urged the company to make the facility “like a semi-barracks” to help protect the area, noting that the large workforce meant the company had a significant presence in the community.
Okpebholo also said the state government had discussed with the State Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, the need to establish a police post at the company and provide accommodation for officers.
Speaking on behalf of the company, Mr Huang Shibin commended the governor for visiting the facility to obtain first-hand information about the incident.
Huang said the organisation had been fulfilling its corporate social responsibility but alleged that most of its interventions were being intercepted and were not reaching members of the community.
He appealed to the governor to help improve security around the company and create a friendly and conducive environment for the business to thrive.
