* Denies Receiving Federal Government Palliatives
An Ibadan-based food processing company, Sumal Foods Limited, has addressed recent viral reports accusing it of failing to implement Federal Government directives on fuel subsidy palliatives. The company has described these claims as unfounded and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
In a statement issued by the management and made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the company clarified that it has not received any palliatives from the Federal Government. The management also refuted allegations of refusing to increase workers’ salaries amid rising inflation and denied accusations of inviting security agents to stop protesting workers.
“Sumal is not aware of any directives by the Federal Government to the organized private sector to implement subsidy palliatives for workers in the private sector,” the statement read. “It is a total falsehood that the management invited security agents to stop protesting workers as claimed in the publications.”
Sumal Foods stated that it is unaware of any Federal Government directives requiring the private sector to implement subsidy palliatives. The company acknowledged the Federal Government’s announcement in August 2023 of a N5 billion palliative for each state to cushion the impact of the petrol subsidy removal but affirmed that it has not received any relief from any government level.
“The company did not receive any subsidy relief in form of tax or otherwise from any level of Government in Nigeria,” the management declared.
The management highlighted that they do not owe any workers and have implemented a 13% salary increment and a 3% increase in basic salary following an agreement with the workers’ union. Additionally, from December 14, 2024, employees will be entitled to a 14% general salary increase.
“Sumal immediately in December 2023 implemented the Collective Agreement and also increased the transport allowance of the workers by 6.63%. The second phase of the Collective Agreement is scheduled to start on 14th December 2024. However, Sumal, understanding the plight of the workers, implemented the second phase of the collective agreement from July 2024,” the statement explained.
The company also addressed the security issue, stating that police personnel are regularly stationed at the factory for security purposes and did not interfere with the protest until it turned violent, resulting in property damage and injuries to police officers.
“It is not correct that Sumal invited security outfits to stop the protesting workers,” the statement continued. “The Police did not interfere with the protest until hoodlums hijacked it and turned it into a riot. At this point, police personnel intervened only to prevent further destruction. The rioters immediately pounced on the police officers, such that a senior police officer is currently battling for his life at a hospital.”
Sumal Foods remains committed to maintaining a positive relationship with its workforce and ensuring their welfare amidst challenging economic conditions.
