The aftermath of the boiler explosion at Golden Guinea Breweries Plc (GGB) in Umuahia on February 17, 2023, has left a trail of unresolved issues, primarily concerning the unpaid entitlements of the company’s workers. Members of the National Union of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Umuahia chapter, have voiced their grievances, accusing the management and the private investor, Pan Marine Investment Limited, led by Chief Okey Nzenwa, of neglecting their welfare since the incident. The workers contend that their employment was never officially terminated following the explosion, thereby entitling them to welfare benefits, terminal benefits, severance allowances, and other accrued entitlements. This core issue of unpaid entitlements has become a focal point of contention, fueling distrust and frustration among the affected workers.
Adding to the workers’ discontent is the perceived lack of transparency surrounding the acquisition of GGB by Pan Marine Investment Limited. The workers allege they were excluded from the acquisition process and that Chief Nzenwa has failed to provide a written copy of the agreement reached with the union. This perceived secrecy has deepened the workers’ suspicions and concerns about their future. Moreover, workers who returned to their jobs after the takeover claim they were not reinstated at their original grade levels, further compounding their grievances. The alleged non-payment of stipends since January 2025, purportedly disbursed by the new investor, adds another layer of complexity to the workers’ plight. These combined issues paint a picture of a workforce feeling disregarded and marginalized by both the previous management and the new investor.
The NUFBTE has taken a strong stance, urging Abia State Governor Alex Otti to revoke the sale or lease of GGB and reacquire it, citing its economic importance to the state. They argue that a fully operational GGB has the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, thereby significantly boosting the state’s economy and reducing crime rates. Furthermore, the union emphasizes the benefits a revived GGB would bring to the local communities, including employment opportunities, scholarships, and infrastructure development, which have reportedly been lost since the company’s decline. This appeal to the governor underscores the wider implications of GGB’s situation, extending beyond the immediate concerns of the workers to encompass the economic and social well-being of the state.
The NUFBTE’s call for the state’s intervention underscores the brewery’s historical significance as a source of pride and prosperity for Umuahia and Abia State. They believe restoring GGB to its former glory would not only benefit the workers but also contribute to the overall development and stability of the region. Their willingness to engage in open dialogue about the boiler explosion and other managerial issues suggests a desire for transparency and accountability, hoping to address the root causes of the company’s current predicament. The workers’ plea for a return to GGB’s former status reflects a longing for the stability and economic opportunities the brewery once provided.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abia State, under the leadership of Mr. Okoro Ogbonnaya, has expressed solidarity with the NUFBTE members, urging them to remain resolute in their pursuit of their entitlements. The NLC’s support provides a crucial backing to the workers’ cause, strengthening their collective bargaining power and adding weight to their demands. This united front between the NUFBTE and the NLC presents a more formidable challenge to the management and investor, increasing the pressure for a just resolution.
In essence, the GGB situation represents a complex interplay of labor disputes, economic concerns, and calls for governmental intervention. The workers’ demands for unpaid entitlements, coupled with the lack of transparency surrounding the company’s acquisition, have created a tense atmosphere. The NUFBTE’s appeal to the governor for reacquisition highlights the broader economic and social ramifications of GGB’s current state, emphasizing the brewery’s potential to revitalize the region. The NLC’s support adds further weight to the workers’ cause, signaling a protracted struggle for a fair resolution. This multifaceted situation demands a comprehensive approach, addressing both the immediate needs of the workers and the long-term economic prospects of the brewery and the surrounding community.
