Business and Economy
Indignity of Labour: The Bitter Tales Inside Nigeria Flour Mills’ Sugar Eestate
By NGIJ team of Oluwasegun Abifarin and Olawale Abideen
The smoke of accusation and counter accusation has continued to rise over the indignity of labour and bitter working condition by workers of Sunti Golden Sugar Estates Limited, a subsidiary of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc. js">
Located on the banks of River Niger, in Mokwa, Niger state, Sunti Golden Sugar Estates Limited features 17, 000 hectares of irrigable farmland and a Sugar mill that process 4,500 metric tons of sugarcane per day. At full capacity, the estate is expected to produce 1 Million tons of Sugarcane which roughly translates into 100,000 metric tons of sugar yearly.
When Flour Mills of Nigeria took up loans amounting to about 60 Billion Naira facilitated by the Nigerian Government to acquire and complete the Sunti Farms in order to establish a sugarcane farm and set up a factory, the workers and host communities thought their sweet and happy moment had arrived.
And on 15th March, 2018, when the company was officially launched amidst pomp and pageantry, expectations and hopes were raised as there were promises of better living for host communities, their youths and the workers.
This eventually turned to a forlorn dream going by the layers of worker/labour indignity going on in the company.
One star case till date is the story of Mr. Amusa Monsuru Adewale who joined Nigeria Flour Mills on the 9th of April, 2014 as a Draftsman. The Human Resource Manager, Mr. Chatjock Chom on the basis of the strong recommendation from Adewale’s boss, Mr. John Beverley, confirmed his appointment as an Architect and also as a senior staff with job class 8 reward level 10.
In the course of Adewale’s employment, the company seconded him to Sunti Golden Sugar Estates Ltd where he has been working directly under the supervision of Engr. Akeem Kolawole Gbadamosi.
But on the 15th day of September, 2016 Mr. Adewale had an industrial accident on site which affected his left eye. Despite the accident, he continued to work diligently in the company, but on the 7th day of November, 2016 his was diagnose with severe keratitis on the left eye and he was placed on drugs. After some months, the Doctor recommended a Cornea transplant surgery for a clearer vision.
On the 3rd of June 2018, he received the bill for the surgery which he submitted to the Human Resource department. Prior to the submission of the bill, Adewale alleged that his boss, Gbadamosi had threatened on different occasions, to sack him “without any reason.” And upon submission of the bill, Adewale said he received two queries within one week.
After answering the query, Gbadamosi recommended to the Human Resource department for him to be sacked, but the recommendation was declined and instead a 5 day suspension was given to Adewale on the 2nd of July 2018.
After his resumption on the 9th of July, Gadamosi demoted him to the position of a store keeper .And by a letter dated 9th of April, 2019, Adewale was sacked, citing medical grounds as the reason.
Adewale’s Counsel, Chief Afe Babalola, SAN however disputed this, saying his client is medically fit to undertake his responsibilities and that no medical examination was conducted to support the company’s claim.
In a bid to resolve the matter amicably, Flour Mills invited Adewale and his lawyers to a meeting in Apapa, Lagos on 21st June, 2019 by 10:00a.m, whereat it was agreed to convey the resolution to the management of the company and get back to Adewale’s team to know the next alternative to explore. Till date, nothing has happened.
Another sordid case is that of Adeleke Wuraola, a Procurement Manager Sunti Golden Estate. As one of the oldest employees in the company, he was reputed to be very intelligent and good at his job, but he allegedly had issues with the wife of the General Manger.
It was gathered that for years, they plotted his removal until he fell into the trap of one Magdalene, a female staff allegedly brought by the GM and his wife to do the hatchet job. “Magdalene does not have the intelligence and confidence to come up with this grandiose scheme. She is being pushed and encouraged by someone in management,” Adeleke said.
For now the GM is said to have brought a family friend who is out of job from South Africa to replace Adeleke.
The case of Dr. Akande Yusuf who manages the Sunti Clinic is another sore point. Yusuf, had reported verbal assault and several episodes of interference in patient management as well as the open confrontation on the professionalism of the medical team at the clinic by the General Manager’s wife.
Specifically Yusuf recalled that on January 30th, 2019, the wife of the General Manager came to the clinic, assembled all the clinic staffs and dressed him down that he is “useless, unprofessional, and that she is ashamed of me.”
The medical doctor added that GM wife added that “she is the one paying my salary and that she can fire me if she wants; and when the GM’s wife is talking, I should not say anything ever again that I am disrespectful for thinking I can say something; that we are all fucking idiots.”
In his letter to the HR Manager, dated February 14, 2019, Yusuf lamented that “I have been brooding over these utterances in the last two weeks against the background of prior confrontational threats and intimidation from the GM and his wife on 18th of October 2018 in which case a lot of hurtful words and insults were hauled at me.
“Permit me to sincerely note that the derogatory remarks, verbal abuse, offensive words, threats, emotional and psychological subjugation from both the General Manager and his wife are having their toll on me and by extension, the other medical staffs. Our morale are down.”
On the frosty relationship between the company and the host community, Samuel Iboroma, FMN Corporate Communication Manager had maintained that Sugar Golden Sugar Estates has enjoyed very cordial relations with its host communities.
He also sent a letter of appreciation sent by the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar acknowledging the receipt of four thousand cartons of chicken indomine noodles donated to the community by FMN recently.
But a recent letter by the host community addressed to the Chairman of FMN points to another direction. They complained that the Sunti GM “has been showing so much disrespect to the community leaders and the citizen together with the Community Liaison Officer, Mr. Samuel.”
According to them, “the community no longer has source of income for our livelihood because of the activities of the Company and the autocratic nature of the GM has also led to the termination of the appointment of many skilled, and experienced personnel from the company.”
Sources informed us that communities such as Kusogi, Jaagi, Batagi, Kupanti, etc suffered most from the activities of Sunti Golden Estate.
On the allegation of poor working condition, Iboroma argued that the “assertions all wrong,” adding that “like most of our investments in the food value chain, we are creating jobs and empowering our communities through active collaboration.”
But some of the workers who spoke to our correspondent in the estate last week countered Iboroma’s assertion arguing that “slavery continues here.” They pointed to the meagre salary and the un-abating casualization of workers as a major twin evil. “A graduate earns N30, 000 here, an amount too little for the so called expatriates to spend at a shopping,” one of the workers told us last week.
Attempts to get the company’s reaction to the latest allegations were futile last week. There was no reply to mails and messages sent to Iboroma’s through phone, wattsapp and emails address.
Instead, Sources at Sunti hinted early this week that the company is planning to bring some selected journalists to the Estate to ”come and see things for themselves.”
“It is expected that journalists will be around within this week, and they have been improving on things they believe could implicate them. Presently, they have been going about begging workers not to speak ill of the company,” a worker told our correspondent last week.
Strangely, some of the journalists have also been calling our correspondent to back off from the story, pleading that “Flour Mills is their client.”
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Ododo Lauds Tinubu Over Public Finance Reforms, As Chief Ibori Commissions Kogi Audit House
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening governance systems across the country through public finance reforms.
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The Governor who stated this on Tuesday during the official commissioning of the Kogi State Audit House, said the ongoing national reforms in public finance management, institutional accountability, and economic restructuring under his administration have created an enabling environment for states to execute impactful projects that strengthen transparency and improve service delivery.
“We remain fully aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda and deeply appreciate the support extended to sub-national governments.
Governor Ododo also acknowledge and commended Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, who he described as a respected statesman and distinguished son of Niger Delta, for presence to commission the Audit House.
Speaking further on Chief Ibori, the governor said “Your contributions to governance, leadership, and national development continue to inspire many of us, and we are deeply grateful for your solidarity with the Government and people of Kogi State on this historic day.
“I therefore use this opportunity to specially welcome our visiting dignitaries, Auditors-General from across the Federation, party leaders, members of civil society organizations, development partners, and all friends of Kogi State who have honored us with their presence today.
“Your participation underscores the national significance of this event and the shared responsibility we all bear in strengthening democratic accountability and public sector performance in Nigeria.
“As we mark this commissioning, let this facility serve not only as an administrative center, but as a symbol of our collective resolve to uphold integrity, professionalism, and transparency in the management of public resources.
“It should also stand as a model and inspiration to other states to invest deliberately in institutional frameworks that support effective oversight and responsible governance.
“In conclusion, I reaffirm the commitment of my administration to building systems that protect public interest, strengthen public institutions, and promote inclusive development. The Kogi State Audit House represents a major step in that direction.
“It is therefore my honor and privilege, with gratitude to Almighty God and in recognition of his distinguished service to our nation, to invite His Excellency, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former Governor of Delta State, to kindly perform the official commissioning of the Kogi State Audit House. The governor said.
While commissioning the edifice, Chief Ibori commended the the Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for his effort in promoting accountability and transparency in governance through institutional support.
He called on the people of the state to continue to support the programmes and vision of the Governor Ododo administration, saying that this will enhance all round development of the state.
“Let me commend Governor Ododo for his effort in promoting accountability and transparency in governance. I therefore called on all citizens of the state to continue to give their support to the administration, which will enhance all round development of the state.
Speaking earlier, the Auditor General of Local Government, Alhaji Yakubu Adabenege, noted that the commissioning of the Audit House was a dream come through.
Speaking further he said “Someone may ask why the audit house at this time. I have to tell the story for your record and for history. What you are seeing here today is beyond an ordinary building, it’s God’s own project, it is a dream come true.
“From this Audit House, we promise to put our body and soul to support your administration to achieve all its set goals. We shall follow every kobo, every resource deployed to its final intended destination, for you to leave many more lasting legacies for our dear Kogi State. He stressed
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban development, Hon. Taiye Abanika, noted that the Audit House stands as further proof of the Governor’s promise to support critical institutions with the needed infrastructures to enable them perform their responsibilities effectively.
He said It also reflects the governor’s firm belief that accountability and good governance can function effectively, if they are properly equipped and empowered.
“I sincerely appreciate the Governor for his trust in us and for his consistent support in the execution of this and all other projects across the state.
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Nupe Natives Of Lokoja Flags Off Cooperative Union To Facilitate Development
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Nupe Natives of Lokoja, has flagged off its CAMPDAVID MULTIPURPOSE COOPERATIVE UNION LIMITED registered with the Kogi State government, aimed at facilitating the development of the community of the native Nupe of Lokoja and her entire residents.
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Twelve other Cooperative Societies are registered to operate under the umbrella union which was launched in Lokoja over the weekend.
The Etsu Lokoja and Chairman, Lokoja Native Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Akamisoko Dauda Shelika – Nyamkpa IV, performed the flag off ceremony during the first General Meeting of Nupe Natives of Lokoja in 2026, organized to showcase their culture and had interactions on how to attract development to their community.
The Royal Father in his speech, said that the Cooperative Union and its other sub-societies would no doubt facilitate people’s zeal to embark on self-help development that would impact on their living standards.
According to the traditional ruler “The newly registered cooperative societies would serve as veritable tools with which our people could utilize to generate funds to enable them embark on self-help projects such as drilling of motorized boreholes for portable water supply, rural electrification and health clinics amongst others.
“The need to complement government’s efforts in the provision of basic infrastructure for improved living conditions of citizens cannot be over emphasized, hence our desire as a people to do the needful”
The Etsu Lokoja used the occasion to call on the younger generation of the community to embrace skills acquisition of vocational enterprises such tailoring, welding, fabrication, carpentry, plumbing, hair dressing and farming among others for self-reliance.
He also disclosed his community’s planned programmes for this new year to include; facilitating of Summer Studies, Medical Outreaches for the less privileged, cultural and political summits.
He commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state for his passion to carry everybody along in his development programmes irrespective of political, ethnic and religious differences.
He reiterated the loyalty of his people to the present administration in Kogi state and assured that the tempo would be sustained.
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Kogi To Domesticate New Nigeria’s Tax Act, 2025
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has expressed readiness to domesticate the new Nigeria’s Tax Act 2025 for implementation by the State Internal Revenue Service (KGIRS).
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Internal Revenue Generation, Nasir Rahman Ichanyi gave the hint while speaking at the second tranche of the critical stakeholders engagement on better understanding of the key provisions in the new tax law organised by the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service in Lokoja on Wednesday.
Ichanyi said that participants for the sensitization engagement were drawn from ministries, departments and agencies in view of their advantage position as technocrats that would play vital role in full implementation of the new tax law as from January, 2026.
He said that the sensitization programme is aimed at strengthening tax administration and promoting voluntary compliance to the new law.
The Special Adviser commended Governr Usman Ahmed Ododo for his visionary leadership and steadfast support in ensuring the effective domestication and implementation of progressive federal fiscal policies.
“His Excellency’s commitment to good governance and economic reforms continues to enhance fiscal discipline and sustainable development in the state”
He also praised the management and staff of KGIRS for their professionalism, dedication, and proactive engagement with stakeholders.
” This sensitization exercise reflects their resolve to ensure clarity, transparency, and inclusiveness in the implementation of the new tax framework.
“The 2025 Tax Acts, that will be domesticated by Kogi State, is distinguished by its simplicity, clarity, and taxpayer-friendly provisions
” It harmonizes tax obligations, removes incidences of multiple taxation, and provides clear guidelines that make compliance easier for taxpayers. The law also embraces technology-driven processes that improve efficiency, reduce human interference, and promote accountability.
“Furthermore, the domesticated tax Acts will offers significant benefits to taxpayers by reducing compliance costs, ensuring fairness and equity, and fostering a more predictable and business-friendly tax environment. Ultimately, it strengthens the trust between government and taxpayers and ensures that revenues generated translate into improved public services and infrastructural development across the state.
” I urge all MDAs and stakeholders to support the effective implementation of the 2025 Tax Acts that will be domesticated in Kogi State and to serve as ambassadors of compliance within their respective institutions. Together, we can build a robust and sustainable revenue system that will drive inclusive growth and development for Kogi State.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service, Alhaji Sule Salihu Enehe urged citizens to embrace the new Nigeria’s Tax Act in view of its enormous benefits.
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