Mrs. Susan Ogbu has filed a Promasidor Nigeria lawsuit , seeking $250,000 in damages. She blames the death of her 26-year-old son, Patrick Ogbu, on gross negligence and unsafe work practices. Consequently, the case was brought before the National Industrial Court in Lagos.
The lawsuit names several defendants, including Promasidor Nigeria Ltd. , its parent company Promasidor Holdings, Dapo Omolade (operating under the DOME initiative), Hybrid Group Limited, Hybrid HSE Limited, Bohlar Integrated Services, and the Minister of Labour and Employment.
Patrick joined an HSE trainee program on April 1, 2024. The program promised health and safety training and offered a monthly stipend of N65,000. On August 9, 2024, Patrick was assigned to Promasidor Nigeria’s factory through an arrangement with Bohlar Integrated Services.
Tragically, shortly after arriving at the factory, Patrick fell from a rooftop into a warehouse. He died almost immediately. As a result, his mother received the devastating news shortly after he left for work.
Mrs. Ogbu is demanding N300 million in compensation and N150 million in general damages. She claims that unsafe conditions caused her son’s death. “Sadly, my son left home to work at the Promasidor project site . However, hours later, I learned he had fallen from the rooftop and died,” she explained.
She accuses all defendants of failing to ensure a safe working environment. According to her, the accident happened due to negligence and unsafe work conditions. Furthermore, poor oversight and inadequate safety measures worsened the situation.
In addition to financial compensation, Mrs. Ogbu is seeking additional relief. For instance, she wants a court order for 21% annual interest on the judgment sum until it is fully paid. Moreover, she demands N5 million in legal costs.
Additionally, she seeks an investigation into the DOME initiative by the Minister of Labour and Employment. She also requests a full health and safety audit of Promasidor’s factories. Similarly, she wants a formal inquiry into the company’s labour practices in Lagos and Ogun states. These demands highlight her determination to hold all parties accountable.
On the other hand, the defendants deny all allegations. Counsel Azeez Alaka represents Dapo Omolade, Hybrid Group Limited, Hybrid HSE Limited, and Bohlar Integrated Services. They argue that Dapo Omolade operates independently and is not a subsidiary of Hybrid Group.
They describe the DOME initiative as a legitimate training program. Specifically, it aims to provide practical experience in health and safety to young Nigerians. In fact, they insist the program is fully sponsored, offering stipends and valuable industry exposure.
The defense claims Patrick violated safety protocols. For example, they allege he allowed workers onto a rooftop without the required Permit to Work. Additionally, they claim he followed them despite lacking proper training for working at heights.
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However, Mrs. Ogbu rejects these claims. She argues that the training program was deceptive. In her view, it exploited participants by placing them in high-risk environments without adequate preparation or supervision.
Her lawyer, David Kupolati, emphasized the need for accountability. “This case is not just about one family’s loss. Instead, it’s about holding corporations responsible for ensuring safe workplaces,” he stated.
The Promasidor Nigeria lawsuit raises critical questions about workplace safety. If successful, it could lead to stricter enforcement of labour laws. Consequently, improved safety standards in Nigeria’s industrial sector may follow.
Labour rights advocates urge the government to investigate such programs thoroughly. They warn that similar initiatives may exploit young workers under the guise of training. For now, the case continues to unfold. Therefore, it highlights the need for transparency and accountability in private companies and government oversight bodies.
