News
ANAMCO Staff Protest Planned Shut-Down
Tension is now mounting at the multi-billion naira Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company Limited (ANAMCO), Enugu, Enugu State, as the striking workers of the company have vowed never to go back to work until they know their fate on the alleged proposed plan to close down the establishment come January next year.
Following the development the aggrieved workers have called on the Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to as a matter of urgency commence investigation into the alleged financial fraud running into millions of naira against the former plant union chairman of the company, Mr. Nath Anike, and the Managing Director of AMAMCO, Jacques Gelin and some other principal officers of the Company.
According to some of the workers who spoke to newsmen in Enugu on condition of anonymity information reaching them had it that the automobile outfit has already concluded plans to close shop in Nigeria come January 2010 with a view to relocating to Germany without any arrangement whatsoever to pay them their gratuity and other entitlements.
In a petition tagged “Petition Against Former ANAMCO Plant Chairman Mr. Nath Anike”, jointly endorsed by the company’s plant Union Interim Chairman and the Secretary, Messrs Nwagbara Frank and Nweke John respectively, dated October 7, 2009, copied to the company’s chairman, Board of Directors, BPE chairman, among other officers and made available to newsmen in Enugu, the workers accused Mr. Anike of misappropriating several millions of naira belonging to both the company and the workers.
The workers also alleged that the former plant chairman, had in May 2009 misappropriated the sum of 17 million naira belonging to workers as well as another 1.3million workers pension fund, calling on all the anti graft agencies in the country to take up the matter with every sense of seriousness.
The striking workers equally made it clear that the present worrisome state of the multi- billion naira establishment jointly owned by the Federal and some state governments was occasioned by alleged massive financial fraud that has been going on in the place for quite a long time.
They, however, wondered why the company should be making plans of closing shop in Nigeria without making any arrangement on how to pay them all their benefits when as a matter of fact , they have tirelessly put in scores of years in the company to ensure its progress and sustenance.
Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Association of Senior Staff of the company, Mr. Iheanyi Ogbonna, who also spoke to newsmen accused the managing Director of the company, of conniving with some officers to loot the organization’s treasury to the detriment of the workers, as well as the state and national economy.
Ogbonna regretted that he had written series of petition to various Anti corruption agencies in Nigeria in the past without result, appealing to the incumbent bosses of the anti graft commissions to rise up to the occasion and act now, adding that he had equally petitioned the National Assembly on the matter, insisting that there is urgent need to investigate the massive financial fraud that has been taking place in ANAMCO long , he declared.
However, the workers protest and strike has completely paralyzed normal activities at the automobile establishment located at the Emene Industrial Layout near the Akanu- Ibiam International Airport , Enugu, the capital city of Enugu State.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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