Following alleged dehumanizing treatment of workers at Chinese-run quarries in the Obafemi-Owode area of Ogun state, the Progressive Impact Organization for Community Development (PRIMORG), has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), to as a matter of urgency and national interest commence the investigations of the Ding Xing Xiyuan Quarry.
PRIMORG noted that a report published by TheCable had indicted the Chinese mining companies (Ding Xing, Xiyuan Quarry, and A & B Quarry) for exposing their employees to unsafe working conditions and poor treatment.
In the letter dated March 24, 2022, and signed by PRIMORG Executive Director, Mr. Agbonsuremi Okhiria, the organization said; “This is a formal communication on this matter to pledge our support and appeal for your urgent action in investigating these long-standing human rights abuses, which also borders on the exploitation of citizens.”
Agbonsuremi while commending the NHRC for its cooperation so far, said it is ready to join hands with the Commission and TheCable in whatever way to end the dehumanizing circumstances in these firms.
The NHRC through its Assistant Director, Legal, Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Department, Mai Fatima Ahmed, participated in an anti-corruption radio program, PUBLIC CONSCIENCE in Abuja during which the report by TheCable was examined.
During the program, Mai Fatima Ahmed requested a formal communication to the commission on the matter and promised that the Commission would launch an immediate probe.
Some Nigerians who participated in the radio programme, (Public Conscience) lamented that the maltreatment of Nigerians working in Chinese-run companies had gone beyond Ogun state.
TheCable had exposed the dehumanizing working conditions at the two Chinese-run firms in a report by Sodiq Ojuroungbe, who embedded himself among the company’s workers.
The report said some workers in the companies have died, and others have ailments associated with inhaling dangerous particles from mining activities.
The report further indicate that the workers were not provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), just as most of them were casual workers.
PRIMORG is a Nigerian registered Civil Society Organization with the mandate to promote good governance and accountability with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
