Kaduna Protest: Indian Mining Firm ANRML Accused of Using Military to Suppress Workers Demanding Fair Wages
By Andrew Haruna, Kaduna
Tension escalated in Gujeni village, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as workers at African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML), an Indian-owned iron ore mining firm, staged a two-day peaceful protest over what they describe as “slave-like treatment” and extreme disparities in wages between Nigerian workers and their foreign counterparts.
According to several sources within the company, the protest began early Wednesday morning and continued through Thursday, with local employees demanding the implementation of the national minimum wage, improved working conditions, and access to healthcare.
Despite the peaceful nature of the protest, eyewitnesses claim that the company called in personnel of the Nigerian Army to intimidate and disperse the demonstrators, rather than address their grievances.
“We started the protest around 6 a.m. to ask for fair pay and basic healthcare,” a worker told The Bureau under condition of anonymity. “We walk 30 kilometres daily to get here and earn between ₦25,000 and ₦50,000 monthly, while Indian workers with basic diplomas are paid over ₦2 million, get accommodation, health insurance, and official cars.”
Another staff member disclosed that this marks the third protest since the company commenced operations, adding that the former Human Resources Manager resigned in protest earlier in the year over management’s refusal to improve staff welfare.
“He [the HR manager] fought for us. He pleaded with management to address the poor working conditions, but they ignored him, and he had to leave,” the source revealed.
Disparities and Alleged Exploitation
The protesting workers decried what they described as systemic discrimination, noting that foreign workers are consistently prioritized for higher pay and benefits, while Nigerians are subjected to dangerous work environments without basic safety measures or health coverage.
“There’s no health insurance, no safety gear, and if you get injured on the job, they simply sack you,” said a source. “People have died crossing the highway to get to work, yet there’s no overhead bridge or safe passage.”
Workers say they issued a formal warning to the company in April, threatening a protest if the agreed minimum wage adjustments were not implemented.
“They delayed salary payments this month, paying on April 28 instead of earlier in the week, possibly to frustrate the protest,” another employee noted.
No Official Response Yet
When contacted by The Bureau, Jeremiah Joshua, spokesperson for ANRML, declined to comment and asked, “How did you get my contact? I’ll call you back.” At the time of filing this report, he had not responded to further inquiries.
ANRML, which is regarded as one of Africa’s largest iron ore producers, operates what is believed to be one of the continent’s most expansive mining and processing facilities. However, the recent protests have raised serious concerns about labour practices, human rights, and the role of military force in corporate disputes.
The workers insist they are not asking for luxury but for a fair wage, humane treatment, and basic dignity in their own country.
