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Bacita Sugar Coy workers seek govt’s intervention over 20months unpaid salaries
By AROWONA ABDULAZEEZ
Employees of the defunct Bacita Sugar Company, now Josepdam Sugar Company in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State have appealed to concerned authorities to facilitate the payment of 20 months salary arears the firm is owing them.
The spokesperson of the affected workers, Mr. Asasile Joseph Ayo, who spoke to ROYAL NEWS in an interview on Friday disclosed that he worked with the firm for a period of company for 30 years.
He added that, “Since the 2015 takeover of the company by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and subsequent handover to Sulu Gambari Chambers pending its sale, workers of the company have only being paid once.
“Even though a number of staff were disengaged after the take over, some, mostly security personnels, were retained to guide against vandalisation of the company’s equipment.”
Mr. Ayo further that, “The staffers retained are however threatening to leave their posts as they are not getting their dues despite the handler’s promise to ensure their welfare is catered for.”
The Spokesperson, who represents the junior cadre staff of the company, recalled that the situation was different years back when government was in charge and called on the Federal and Kwara State governments to come to their rescue by intervening in the matter as they are no longer able to feed their families and take care of themselves.
He also lamented that 15 of those owed have died while some are very sick with no money to foot their medical bills.
ROYAL NEWS reports that AMCON has since assumed control of the Bacita Sugar Company in Kwara State following the failure of the company’s owners to pay their debt.
“In 2006, the Josepdam Group paid $49 million to acquire the moribund Nigerian Sugar Company Limited in Bacita, Kwara State, under the federal government’s privatization programme.
“The Bacita Sugar Company has over 30,000 hectares of sugarcane farm with a production capacity of 300 metric tonnes of sugarcane per day. The company also has sugar refining capabilities”, he added
The workers therefore expressed worry that continued neglect of their welfare could lead to a situation that will negatively affect the company for future sales, especially if left unguided.
Contact: info@royalnews.com.ng