A group, Pan African Youth Development Network has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige to look into alleged slavery and injustice meted on Nigerian youths by the management of BN Ceramics Nigeria Limited in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. The Group’s President, Habib Mohammad, during a visit to BN Ceramics, which is owned by Chinese investors, said it was borne out of a series of complaints received from its workers. They alleged the company violated Factory Act 2004 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in relation to health, safety, hazard and precautionary measures. They also expressed displeasure over prolonged working hours, workers’ casualisation and working without appointment letters. The group accused a senior officer of allegedly subjecting female youths to sexual harassment and expressed concern about the recent shooting of one of the cleaners, Oloye Elega. He disclosed that they observed several irregularities perpetrated by the firm’s management on youths, whom they engaged as factory workers. The Company’s Human Resources Manager, Saliu Mohammed, in his reaction, claimed some of those allegations were not true, saying that working condition provided was the best the firm could offer. He noted that work officially closes by 5:00pm daily, while overtime was between 5:00p.m. and 7:00p.m. He assured his office would liaise with the management to look into some issues raised by the visitors.
