The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against the closing down of the Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana in Kogi State.
In a letter addressed to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, a copy of which was made available to 21st Century Chronicle, the NLC President Ayuba Wabba warned that the closure of the factory would put the life of thousands of people at risk.
Wabba in the letter warned, of the threat to shutdown the cement plant, saying “if it happens, it will put thousands of jobs at the factory in great peril.
“Also, the livelihoods of thousands of individuals and families whose businesses are tied to the plant will be at great risks.
“Dangote Nigeria PLC has grown to become a continent-wide conglomerate which adds significant value to the Nigerian economy through jobs creation, production and revenue generation.
“The investments of the company deserves to be protected within what the law provides in order not to scare away potential genuine investors from ploughing their resources into our country.”
The NLC President said it was in view of all these “that we urge the Federal Government to intervene in this matter to broker peace and calm.
“We also implore all parties to pursue dispute resolution processes to settle contentious issues.While we look forward to the swift intervention of the Federal Government on this matter, please accept the renewed assurances of our highest.”
Crisis erupted between the Kogi State government and Dangote Group as the former alleged that the factory was wrongfully acquired by Dangote.
The state government also accused the company of not remitting royalty to it.
The Kogi State House of Assembly followed up by ordering the closure of the company on October 5 following a resolution to that effect on the floor of the house.
On October 9, more than 500 vigilante attacked the premises of the company and closed it down further aggravating the crisis.
But on Friday, the Federal Government ordered the reopening of the company and directed the state government and Dangote Group to explore legal means to amicably resolve the tussle.
