The Steel and Engineering Workers’ Union of Nigeria (SEWUN) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the crisis surrounding the fate of more than 10,000 workers who risk losing their jobs, warning that the development could further worsen the country’s rising unemployment rate.

The union made the appeal on Friday as it joined workers of WEMPCO Group in Magboro, Ogun State, during a solidarity protest over the alleged dismissal and displacement of factory workers by the firm.

Speaking during the protest, SEWUN National Treasurer, Nasiru Bello, and the union’s Deputy General Secretary, Julius Ijebor, expressed concern over what they described as a looming social and economic crisis.

They called on the Federal Government to take immediate action to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers whose employment status has become uncertain following recent developments within the company.

The union noted that WEMPCO has maintained a long-standing record of fulfilling its obligations to employees, many of whom have dedicated between 20 and 30 years of service to the organisation.

The protesters vowed to continue their peaceful engagement, expressing hope that the firm would open dialogue with the workers and provide clear answers regarding their future.

Carrying placards with various inscriptions, the workers demanded immediate clarification on the status of affected employees and urged relevant authorities to ensure that any dispute involving the company is resolved without jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on their jobs.

At the time of filing the report, the company’s gate remained locked, with no management representative available to address the media or the protesting workers.