Nigerian Welder D!es In Tragic Accident At Abia Steel Company

Tragedy struck at the Inner Galaxy Steel Company in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, where a young employee and welder, Mr. Oto Obong Uwem, lost his life due to alleged negligence and poor safety standards.

The incident, SaharaReporters reports, occurred on June 26, 2025, after he fell from an elevated section of the building while using welding equipment. 

According to SaharaReporters, sources said that the unfortunate incident occurred due to alleged negligence and lack of safety standards, as there were no proper safety gear and non-compliance with standard occupational safety procedures.

Meanwhile, the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has petitioned the management of the Company, demanding for a comprehensive and independent investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding Uwem's death.

In the petition addressed to the Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Lin Shanbiao, the rights group, stated that the investigation must involve regulatory bodies such as the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, National Human Rights Commission, and National Occupational Safety and Health Agency.

The organisation is also seeking adequate compensation and support for the deceased's family, including a public apology, payment of death benefits and entitlements, and financial compensation.

FENRAD has further demanded that the company immediately review and upgrade its safety measures and protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future. 

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

"We hope that your management will treat this petition with the urgency, and moral obligation it deserves," said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD. 

"The loss of this young worker is a reflection of corporate accountability and undermines the basic principles of human rights and workplace safety."

The organisation warned that they reserved the right to take further legal, civic, and advocacy actions if the matter is neglected or dismissed.

The petition has sparked outrage and concern among labor rights activists and organizations, who are calling for greater accountability and enforcement of occupational health and safety standards in Nigerian workplaces. 

The incident highlights the need for stricter regulations and better enforcement to protect workers' rights and prevent such tragedies in the future.

The petition jointly signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director and Barr. Femisi Akande, Head Litigation & Corporate Accountability of FENRAD was copied to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Factory Inspectorate Division (FID), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSHD) – Nigeria, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police command, National Assembly – Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity and among others.