FENRAD petitions Inner Galaxy Steel over employee’s death, demands justice

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has petitioned Inner Galaxy Steel, in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State, over the death of its worker, Mr. Oto Obong Uwem, a young welder, demanding justice and accountability.

According to the Executive Director,
FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the petition addressed to Mr. Lin Shanbiao, the company Managing Director, with the theme, ‘ Petition over the death of Mr. Oto Obong Uwem due to negligence and lack of safety standards’, has been copied to relevant regulatory bodies, including the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Human Rights Commission, and Nigeria Labour Congress.

The incident raised questions about corporate accountability and the company’s duty of care to its employees.

The tragedy highlighted the need for strict adherence to occupational safety and health standards in workplaces.

The petition seeks to ensure justice for Uwem’s family and prevent similar incidents in the future.

He explained that the young welder employed in the company was working in the department of casting department as an Electrician.

According to eyewitness accounts and information gathered by the organization, the deceased fell from an elevated section of the building while using welding equipment, due to the absence of proper safety gear and non-compliance with standard occupational safety procedures.

The unfortunate incident, which occurred on Thursday 26th June 2025 within the company premises, amounts to a gross violation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards as well as the fundamental right to life and dignity as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and relevant international labor laws.

The petition seeks to raise the following urgent demands: a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Uwem, involving regulatory bodies such as the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and the National Occupational Safety and Health Agency (NOSHA), among others.

Adequate compensation and support to the family of the deceased to mitigate the emotional and financial burden his death has caused.

The company should include: a public apology and admission of liability,
payment of death benefits and entitlements, provision of financial compensation as determined through fair arbitration or negotiation.

Immediate review and upgrade of safety measures and protocols within the company to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

There should be mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), staff training on safety practices and deployment of safety officers at work sites.

As a company operating within the Nigerian jurisdiction and benefiting from its human resources, they owe a duty of care to their employees.

The loss of this young worker reflected poorly on corporate accountability and undermined the basic principles of human rights and workplace safety.

They hope that the company management will treat the petition with the urgency, responsibility, and moral obligation it deserves.

They also reserved the right to take further legal, civic, and advocacy actions should the matter be neglected or dismissed.