Reps Seek Protection Of Nigerians Against Exploitation

House of Representatives has taken steps to protect Nigerians against discriminatory and exploitative practices by foreign firms who engage in their services.

Consequently, the House urged the Federal Government to be more alive to its responsibility and protect Nigerians, especially the masses, from abuse of their constitutional rights as citizens.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Anthony Adebayo Adepoju who said majority of foreigners who are involved in these unwholesome practices are Chinese and Lebanese nationals engaged in either construction industries or retailing businesses.

He expressed concern that the above-stated nationals are employing Nigerians on an Ad-hoc basis with no conditions of service, nor any welfare or medical services, thereby violating the rights of their workers and the labour laws of the country.

Adepoju recalled that “On 20th June, 2023, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) picketed a Chinese construction company, Shaanki Construction Company at their site at New ECOWAS Secretariat, Airport Road Lugbe, Abuja, over allegations of inhuman treatment and casualisation of its workers.

“The company’s obnoxious policies led to the death of one of its drivers, Mr A. Augustine, with no care, empathy or sympathy from the management of the company.”

He said the apparent state of siege, exploitation and dehumanisation of Nigerians by foreigners in the country is unacceptable and condemnable as it is nothing but a pullback to the dark era of colonisation and slavery.