Confusion as Construction Company Owned by Tinubu’s Ally, Chagoury, Sacks Over 150 Workers For Protesting Against Poor Remunerations
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that there was confusion after construction firm owned by Lebanese-Nigerian billionaire and close ally of President Bola Tinubu, Gilbert Chagoury, after sacking over 150 workers for staging a protest against poor remuneration and slave-like working conditions.
OTN News further reports as gathered that the company, ITB Nigeria Limited, who is currently handling several multi-billion naira contracts awarded by the Tinubu administration, including the controversial $700million Lagos Port renovation project, allegedly accused them of causing unrest.
OTN News learnt that the latest development is a brutal response to the protest that erupted last week at the company’s site in Lagos, where workers downed tools and marched in protest against years of neglect, unfair pay, and exploitative labour practices.
Some workers who spoke to news men confirmed that those targeted were deliberately selected for their roles in the protest.
“They handpicked those that participated in the protest,” one of the workers revealed.
“We got the report yesterday that over 150 people were sacked, including one of the site supervisors. They accused them of causing unrest.”
“What really led to the protest last week was that the workers demanded for improved welfare. For instance, the transport allowance was N2000 daily and the management did not increase after removal of subsidy."
"The increment of transport fares made life uncomfortable for the workers and they begged the man kiagement to increase the transport allowance but they turned deaf ears.”
“This was what resulted in the protest last week and this pushed them to increase the money from N2000 to N3500. But they have sacked about 150 workers now, particularly those behind the protest,” the worker added.
He also highlighted long-standing grievances at the company, including exploitation of Nigerian staff by their foreign counterparts and forced work on public holidays.
“Other issues that the workers are not pleased with are the foreign domination and working during the public holidays. Like today now (Democracy Day), we don’t have holiday. Even this Monday (Sallah Break) we were forced to work.” he added.
OTN News recalls that Last week’s protest, widely circulated in a video by Objectv Media, showed a crowd of workers chanting and demanding humane treatment at ITB’s Lagos site. It sparked outrage on social media and among labour activists.
OTN News observes that it had been in news that ITB Nigeria Limited was awarded a $700 million contract for the renovation of the Tin Can and Apapa Ports, a deal shrouded in controversy and widely believed to be influenced directly by President Tinubu.
However, Experts and industry insiders have questioned the company’s lack of maritime construction experience.
Despite the concerns, Tinubu’s administration has continued to channel major infrastructure projects to Chagoury’s firms.
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