Lagos State Government To Investigate Death Of Nigerian Worker In Chinese Firm.

Nnamdi Solomon, 25, a junior worker with Linda Manufacturing Company, a Chinese firm  that manufactures Expression hair attachment was found dead in the backyard of the company last week.

One of the workers who is also a colleague of the deceased, Mary Okonkwo, said the late Nnamdi complained of stomach ache and complained to his supervisor, but instead of  referring him to the hospital or allowing him to go home and take care of himself,  he was asked to manage the condition be emduring the pains.

She said: 

“Nnamdi complained of stomach ache around 2pm  on Wednesday and he reported to Madam Chidinma, his supervisor.  He was asked to manage his condition. However, there is a rule that if you miss work for like three times, no matter the reason(s), you will be sacked. There is a way they use to count the number of days.

“Nnamdi had missed work for about three times as a result of illness in the past and he knew that if he should miss again, he will be sacked. And since they refused to allow him to go home so as to treat himself, he also tried to manage it as they have said.

“On Thursday, we saw his lifeless body inside the gutter at the backyard of the company, covered with cartons, they ordered all the staff not to say anything about it. They later called an ambulance to come and pick the body.

When asked whether there is any hospital within the company where Nnamdi would have been treated, she said: “We have a clinic which specialises in on first aid treatment. If you complain of anything, they will only give you paracetamol.   If you sustain a serious injury, you are on your own.”

The workers also alleged that in spite of the closure of the company by the state government, there were still people working inside it.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu said the company has been shut down indefinitely on the order of state government.

He said there was no truth in the allegation that the company is still operating, adding that there are two companies operating within the premises.

Oke-Osanyintolu said: “It is not true that the company is operating. Those that you see going inside are the staff of another company within the same premises. Linda Manufacturing Company is not operating for now. They are the staff of Sophia Group, another company within the premises.”

He said the agency is at the moment investigating the death of Nnamdi. He said the company will not be allowed to open till investigations are completed, adding that the company must also meet the conditions.

“We have put the situation under control and we may not allow it to operate until after we have done our findings.  They must also meet with the condition. That is, they have to follow the rules and regulations that have to do with occupational safety,” he said.

But the Head of Operation, Linda Manufacturing Company, Mr Monday Joseph said it is not true that the company does not have a well equipped hospital. He said in case it is a serious situation, workers are referred to another hospital close to the company.

He dismissed allegation about management not caring about the welfare of the workers as unfounded as the late Nnamdi did not appear sick on the day he died.