Daewoo E&C’s operations in Nigeria have sparked mixed reactions. While the company continues to strengthen economic ties, it is facing backlash over concerns related to labor and human rights.
On the 24th, the South Korean Embassy in Nigeria reported that Ambassador Kim Pan-kyu recently met with Nigerian government officials to emphasize the role of businesses in enhancing bilateral trade.
“Last year, trade between our two countries grew by 38.6% compared to the previous year,” Ambassador Kim stated. “To align with this positive trend, the embassy is actively supporting exchanges between Nigerian and Korean companies.”
He added, “Daewoo E&C currently employs approximately 5,000 to 6,000 local workers in Nigeria, playing a crucial role in job creation.”
However, the company has faced criticism from local laborers regarding alleged unfair labor practices.
Workers at Daewoo’s Kaduna refinery construction site, supported by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture, and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW), recently held protests. They accused the company of “unjustly firing 30 workers without cause” and “blocking unionization efforts.”
NUCECFWW Senior Deputy General Secretary Ayo Balogun claimed, “We have attempted to engage Daewoo multiple times on this issue but have received no response. Most workers are treated as temporary hires without formal employment contracts.”
Ibrahim Dodo Enoch, a youth leader with the NLC, warned, “If unionization is not allowed, ongoing projects could face disruptions.”
In 2023, Daewoo E&C was awarded a $590 million emergency repair contract for the Kaduna refinery and is currently carrying out the project.
