A lawyer has petitioned the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, over the alleged forceful eviction of workers of Western Metal Products Company (WEMPCO) from the company’s premises in Magboro, Ogun State.
The petition reportedly seeks the intervention of the Federal Government following concerns over the fate of thousands of workers affected by the development.
The development comes amid protests by members of the Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEWUN), who have called for urgent government intervention in the crisis at WEMPCO.
The union has alleged that more than 10,000 workers face an uncertain future following their alleged displacement from the company’s factory.
According to reports, workers were allegedly forced out of the premises by armed security personnel while production activities were ongoing.
SEWUN leaders described the development as a threat to the livelihoods of thousands of employees, including workers who have spent between 20 and 30 years with the company.
The union has maintained that workers should not be made to suffer over any dispute involving the company and other parties, urging the government to ensure that the matter is resolved through lawful channels.
SEWUN National Treasurer, Nasiru Bello, said the union was concerned about workers’ salaries, benefits and terminal entitlements, particularly for long-serving employees whose employment status has become uncertain.
The union also appealed to President Bola Tinubu and relevant government agencies to intervene and safeguard the jobs of the affected workers.
The petition by the lawyer is expected to draw the Labour Ministry’s attention to the alleged eviction and the broader implications for workers’ rights and industrial relations.
The situation has heightened calls for dialogue among the relevant parties to prevent further disruption of operations and protect the livelihoods of thousands of families dependent on the company.
