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…Indicts politicians as collaborators
By Chukwuma Umeorah
The National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) has accused several Chinese-owned manufacturing firms and some indigenous companies in the Sagamu industrial axis of Ogun State of operating what it described as “slave camp” conditions, alleging widespread casualisation, denial of union access and violations of established labour practices.
President of NUCFRLANMPE, Bolarinwa Sunday, in an exclusive interview with Daily Sun’s Workforce, lamented that no fewer than 30 companies within the axis are strongly resisting unionisation, with some facilities allegedly shielded by armed security personnel to prevent labour officials from engaging workers.
“Sagamu is one of the most industrialised towns in Nigeria now. But most of the Chinese companies, they are the majority, are resisting unionisation. The way and manner they treat their staff is so bad. It is like a slave camp.”
Companies alleged include Shafel Ind. Limited, 100 Stars Ind. Limited, Hanushi Manufacturing, Saro Nig. Limited and Stova Ind. Limited, among other Lebanese, Indian and indigenously-o-wned companies
According to him, the dominant employment model in many of the affected factories involves repeated three-month engagements designed to prevent workers from attaining permanent status.
“They employ the people every three months. After that, they ask them to go and they employ a different set of people, so that they will not be staffed. All of them work as casuals.”
He argued that the practice is structured to avoid statutory obligations tied to permanent employment, including collective bargaining coverage and other protections recognised under Nigerian labour laws. “They don’t want the workers to be covered. Unless we enter and have agreement, they are not protected.”
According to the president, “most of these workers used as cheap labour are transported using trucks in large numbers from the northern part of the country.” He further cited security risks alleging that after their short term engagement, the workers are abandoned within the host communities without formal disengagement procedures, accommodation arrangements or structured reintegration plans.
Bolarinwa further alleged that attempts by the union to access some factories have been blocked by security operatives: “Some of the places have been barricaded with soldiers, so we cannot enter. There is no way we can access them. They do not even take letters from us. They are not ready for negotiation at all.”
He also alleged that influential political figures are linked to some of the companies, suggesting that such connections may be complicating enforcement efforts. “Our investigation showed that some politicians in the National Assembly are collaborating with the company and are fronted as the chairman,” he said. “When a Chinese company brings in somebody very influential, you know what that means.”
Although he did not provide documentary proof of ownership structures , he insisted that “influence is part of the problem.”
Beyond casualisation, the union raised concerns about workplace treatment and conditions, alleging that the workers operate without adequate personal protective equipments and often time sustain permanent injuries due to exposure to hazardous materials and unsafe production processes.
“Workers are treated anyhow because they know people are looking for jobs. Whatever they offer, some are ready to take it just to keep body and soul together.”
The union said it had formally escalated the matter to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment but expressed dissatisfaction with the response so far. “They did not do anything,” he said, citing corruption, systemic limitations and selfish interests by officials.
He suggested that enforcement agencies must act more decisively to address alleged breaches of labour standards in the axis.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), he added, has been briefed on the situation and may be involved in planned industrial action if engagement fails.
Despite recording progress in unionising about 30 companies between September 2024 and September 2025 at national level and an additional 10 thereafter in 2026 across various locations, the NUCFRLANMPE President acknowledged that Sagamu remains a major flashpoint.“Sagamu is the issue. It is where we are having serious resistance.”
The Sagamu industrial corridor has witnessed significant growth in recent years, attracting foreign investment into manufacturing. However, the union maintains that expansion must align with statutory labour protections, including the right to organise and bargain collectively.
“Freedom of association is not optional, if you are operating in Nigeria, you must obey the labour laws of Nigeria.”
However efforts to get reactions from the firms so far have not been successful, as most of them were not forthcoming when our reporter asked them questions. But our investigation on the matter continues.
