A grim humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Kaduna State as about 2,800 former textile workers and their family members have reportedly died while waiting for the payment of ₦35 billion in unpaid gratuities and compensation owed by four collapsed textile companies.
The affected workers, under the Coalition of Closed Unpaid Textile Workers of Nigeria, said decades of neglect have pushed thousands of families into poverty, hardship, and avoidable deaths.
The coalition disclosed that the crisis stems from the collapse of Kaduna Textiles Limited, Arewa Textiles Plc, Nortex, and Fine Tex Limited, which shut down between 2002 and 2004.
According to the group, Kaduna Textiles Limited ceased operations in 2002, while Nortex and Fine Tex closed in 2003, and Arewa Textiles Plc followed in December 2004—leaving more than 9,000 workers jobless without terminal benefits.
Workers Say ₦35bn Remains Unpaid
In a statement signed by the coalition’s President/Chairman, Jeibe Wordam, and Secretary, Samuel Ibrahim, the former workers said the total outstanding entitlements stand at about ₦35 billion.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu, state governors, the National Assembly, and other stakeholders to urgently intervene in the long-standing dispute.
The workers lamented that many affected families have been plunged into extreme hardship, with widows and children of deceased workers struggling to survive without access to healthcare or education.
They said several former employees, now above 60 years old, can no longer work or start small businesses due to lack of financial support, worsening their vulnerability.
According to the coalition, repeated protests, petitions, and engagements with authorities have yielded no meaningful resolution over the years.
They recalled petitioning the House of Representatives during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, with hearings held in Abuja, but the matter remained unresolved after the Ninth National Assembly ended.
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The former workers are now calling on President Tinubu, the 10th National Assembly, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Northern Governors’ Forum, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and international partners to intervene and ensure payment of their entitlements.
They insist that urgent action is needed to prevent further deaths and alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation affecting thousands of families.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.