By Agbo Christian Obiora | Umuahia, Abia State | July 5, 2025
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a leading nonprofit human rights and environmental justice organization, has raised the alarm over what it describes as a tragic, avoidable, and inexcusable loss of life at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company, located in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State.
The organization, known for its advocacy for labor rights and corporate accountability, has formally petitioned the management of the Chinese-owned steel company following the untimely death of Mr. Oto Obong Uwem, a young welder and electrician working in the company’s casting department.
Mr. Uwem reportedly fell to his death on Thursday, June 26, 2025, while performing welding duties on an elevated section of the building. According to eyewitnesses and accounts gathered by FENRAD, the deceased was not equipped with proper safety gear, and there were no visible compliance measures with standard Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures on the worksite.
A Life Lost, A Community in Mourning
In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Managing Director of Inner Galaxy Steel Company, Mr. Lin Shanbiao, FENRAD described the incident as a gross violation of workplace safety standards, as well as a breach of the fundamental right to life and dignity as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and international labor conventions.
“This tragedy was not a random accident—it was the result of systemic negligence and disregard for basic occupational safety standards,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD.
The death of Mr. Uwem has sparked outrage in labor circles, civil society organizations, and among local residents who have long expressed concerns about the working conditions at the steel company, which employs a significant number of local youths.
FENRAD’s Demands: Justice, Accountability, and Reform
FENRAD’s petition is not just a call for justice—it is a clarion call for change. The organization is demanding a full, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to Mr. Uwem’s death. It has called on key regulatory and oversight bodies, including:
- The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment
- The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- The National Occupational Safety and Health Agency (NOSHA)
- The Factory Inspectorate Division
- The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)
According to the petition, the investigation must involve external regulators to ensure impartiality, transparency, and credibility.
In addition, FENRAD is demanding adequate compensation and support for the deceased’s family, including:
- A public apology and admission of liability by the company
- Immediate payment of death benefits and entitlements
- Provision of fair financial compensation through arbitration or negotiated settlement
“Justice is not only about prosecution—it’s also about acknowledging wrongdoing, compensating victims, and ensuring reforms are put in place so that no other family has to suffer a similar loss,” stated Barr. Femisi Akande, Head of Litigation and Corporate Accountability at FENRAD.
A Call for Systemic Workplace Reforms
Beyond the demands for compensation and investigation, FENRAD is calling for a total overhaul of the safety culture at Inner Galaxy Steel Company. The organization outlined key reforms that must be implemented immediately:
- Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers
- Regular and mandatory staff training on occupational health and safety
- Deployment of qualified safety officers at all high-risk operational sites
- A dedicated health and safety compliance audit carried out by external experts
The petition emphasized that any company operating within Nigerian territory and benefitting from its workforce owes a moral and legal duty of care to its employees. “Failure to provide a safe working environment is corporate negligence—and must be treated as such,” FENRAD stated.
Growing Scrutiny of Foreign-Owned Companies
The incident adds to the growing scrutiny of foreign-owned manufacturing firms in Nigeria, many of which have been accused of flouting local labor laws, underpaying workers, and neglecting safety measures. Community leaders in Ukwa West have voiced increasing concerns over the treatment of local workers at Inner Galaxy, with some alleging that complaints are routinely ignored or suppressed.
“We are not saying they should stop operations,” said a youth leader from the area. “But we cannot continue to lose our sons and brothers to unsafe working conditions. Our people deserve dignity and protection.”
Petition Widely Circulated — Key Stakeholders Copied
The petition was widely circulated and sent to a wide array of key institutions and individuals, including:
- The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command
- The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)
- The State Ministry of Labour, Abia State
- The National Assembly Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity
- The Ukwa West Traditional Rulers Council
FENRAD also copied the Federal Ministry of Labour’s Factory Inspectorate Division and the Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSHD), urging them to immediately inspect the company and enforce sanctions if violations are confirmed.
Justice Must Be Seen to Be Done
As the family of Mr. Oto Obong Uwem mourns the loss of a young man with promising potential, civil society groups say this moment must serve as a turning point. FENRAD warned that if the matter is swept under the rug, it would explore all available legal and civic options, including public advocacy and international human rights redress mechanisms.
“Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done,” Comrade Nwafor declared. “The death of Mr. Uwem must not be in vain.”
Contact:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD)
📞 08033383708 | 07062949232
Barr. Femisi Akande
Head, Litigation & Corporate Accountability
