Workers at the Kwara State Garment Factory staged a peaceful protest in Ilorin on Monday to demand immediate intervention regarding what they termed poor working conditions and unfair employment practices.

The protest, which was held directly in front of the factory premises, was closely monitored by police officers who were deployed to the location to ensure the situation remained orderly and was not hijacked by miscreants.

The aggrieved workers also marched along Airport Road, carrying placards to clearly express their grievances and demands.

They claimed that more than 200 staff across various crucial sections of the factory, including the operating, cutting, maintenance, and embroidery departments, were negatively affected by these issues.

Speaking with Daily Trust, one of the affected staff members, Mrs. Kehinde Hussein, pleaded with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to personally look into their plight and resolve the matter urgently.

"The governor whom we regard as our father has been doing well and we commend him," she said, adding, "But those who he handed the administration of this place to have been treating us unfairly.

"They gave us probation letters for six months, but more than two years later we are still not permanent employees despite their promise. They deduct too much from our salaries even though we work tirelessly. Despite the economic situation, we are collecting N48,000. We deserve more than the minimum wage and we want the governor to come to our aid. We are really suffering", she added.

Another protester, Mr Ahmed Ahmed, said workers travel long distances to work daily and that the management had failed to prioritise their welfare.

"Some of us had to borrow money to come here," he said. "They promised to pay us N50,000 which is not even enough, but now they pay N48,000, and they do not pay on time. We cannot take this anymore.

This factory was set up by the Kwara State Government to benefit citizens and reduce unemployment, but the management is undermining the good intentions of the governor. We demand justice, fairness and equity. Our welfare should be paramount."

Another worker, Jimoh Babalola, said the nature of their work warranted better pay and treatment.

"We came out to protest because of the challenges we face," he said, adding, "The nature of our work should attract more than N100,000. There is no opportunity for rest or leave, and it does not matter whether you are sick or not.

"When you complain, they tell you to write a letter, yet they still deduct your salary at the end of the month. One of our colleagues had an accident while traveling, and while recuperating at home, the management still deducted N2,500 daily from his salary. We are family men. How will N48,000 be enough for us in this economic situation, not to talk of the deductions? Many of our colleagues have already left because of the poor conditions. We were very happy when we got employed, but that joy has turned to sorrow. We are pleading with the governor, as a kind-hearted leader, to rescue us."

Mrs. Ismail Halimah also appealed to the governor to consider their situation.

"We have been holding these probation letters for more than two years," she said. "They keep saying we are still in training, but for how long? My transport alone costs N30,000 monthly, leaving me with less than N20,000 before deductions. I have a child and other responsibilities, and the economy is harsh. We are begging His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who we know loves the youth, to please intervene."

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Government has announced a temporary shutdown of the garment factory as part of a transition process to a new management team.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, Hon. Damilola Yusuf Adelodun, the government said the closure was necessary to facilitate maintenance and inventory checks ahead of the handover to the new operators.

"Sequel to the advertisement on the expression of interest published in national newspapers in compliance with public procurement regulations for the outsourcing of the management of the garment factory, we are glad to announce that a preferred winner has emerged.

"The garment factory will, therefore, be temporarily shut down to undertake pre-handover maintenance and inventory checks.

"All civil servants seconded to the garment factory are to return to their ministries, while trainees are advised to apply to the successful bidder for engagement.

"All trainees shall be given a one-month training allowance", the statement added.