“Where is the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) when workers need them most?”
Social media reactions have trailed TheCable’s two-part investigation that exposed the poor working conditions of factory workers in Lagos state, the commercial capital of Nigeria.
The first part investigated the condition of Matthew Eworo, a 29-year-old worker whose hand was stuck in the base of an active mixer while on a night shift at Monaplex Plastic Industries in Lagos on August 31.
The story exposed the company’s failure to provide protective and safety measures to its workers.
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The second part investigated the exploitation and extortion of young workers in two hair factories despite being paid N200 (less than a dollar) per hour.
Since the stories were published, they have continued to garner traction and diverse comments from Nigerians on social media. Netizens aired their past experiences working at factories in Lagos and other cities in the country.
A group of commenters also called out the leadership of NLC and asked Joe Ajaero, the national chairman of the organised labour, and their stakeholders in Lagos to take responsibility for fishing out the factories involved.
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“I have never heard of Labour Inspectors shutting down factories and sending directors to jail for these persistent crimes by factory owners (both local and foreign),” a concerned Nigerian reacted to the investigative report.
Where Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) @NLCHeadquarters when workers need them most? https://t.co/ShadGU14UD
— Ikokwu Chidozie Ikemba🇳🇬 (@IkeokwuChidozie) December 4, 2023
This is so pathetic… A female friend once worked in a factory some years ago. She looked far older than her age, battling with depression & low-self esteem. I encouraged her to go back to sch and also prepped for a decent job. Today, works in the bank & in her final yr.
Advertisement— 👑 King_AY 👑 (@king_ayokunle) December 4, 2023
Nigeria labor president needs to visit the plastic company. They should shut it down and charge them to court. The company violates labor laws. The minimum wage is 30k, and Nigerian workers there collect less than 2k. Per month.
— OLAJIRE OLAYIWOLA (@OLAJIRE15) December 4, 2023
The Nigerian Labour Congress @NLCHeadquarters remains silent over the level of “casualization” of Nigerian youths (workforce) all over the country and in every sector. The NLC should stand up against this modern day sl@very of Nigerians in our own soil.
Advertisement— Jideofor (@JideoforPauln) December 4, 2023
Many production companies are on this table. And the Nigerians who are the admin, foreman and co of the companies are the devil incarnate.
Advertisement— BOROKINI 🎯🎯 (@Starlives01) December 4, 2023
Run from any plastic company in Nigeria!😎
Advertisement— Chigozie (@SC_Asogwa) December 4, 2023
This is why I WILL NEVER TAKE NLC SERIOUS
AdvertisementNEVER EVER ! I have never heard of Labour Inspectors shutting down factories and sending directors to jail for these persistent crimes by Factory owners (both local and foreign) https://t.co/nsS7PSwgxE
— Ọpẹ́yẹmí Irédùmarè (@iredumare) December 4, 2023
Most of this factories are owned by foreigner mostly asian & they treat their Nigerian workers like slaves using Nigerian supervisor,most of their workers are casual workers not staff,plus they aren’t allowed to unionise,I hope God punish our Government,ministry of labor and NLC https://t.co/N96HPxvrPZ
— issah miyanke? (@sodiq1313) December 4, 2023
All these flies in a country where labour laws only exist in papers. https://t.co/iv12I7AC9m
— Kingsley Ndimele: Your Reliable Consultant (@KingsNdimele) December 4, 2023
“Each worker is entitled to N1,650 for a 12-hour shift (7 am – 7 pm), N1,850 on Saturday, N2,000 on Sundays, and N800 as a bonus when a worker misses none of his shifts from Monday to Friday.”
This is messed up… https://t.co/9zdZMKZDAC
— Olayiwola (@l_olayiwola) December 4, 2023
No single duty of care at all and there’s an existing Factories ACT. https://t.co/mSPI76gaHl
— Haqq_of_Hague✨ (@Haqqmutairu) December 4, 2023
@jidesanwoolu @followlasg @drobafemihamzat These factories are there in Agege. The slavery is right there in Agege. @lshaofficial
— Yinka (@olad_yinka) December 5, 2023
Lagos has outgrown its current Labour laws. It’s important to observe her realities and develop a soothing laws. This is a necessity https://t.co/uWdbtdLnTg
— George (@Slim_Mc) December 5, 2023
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