”We ‘ll not allow intimidation of any business in Kano”- Gov. Yusuf assures

Workers of Al-Imam Tea Herbs Pure and Healthy Nig. Limited, the producers of Z & Y Black Tea, on Monday petitioned the Kano State government to intervene and protect their jobs which is threatened from alleged monopolistic practices of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of the South African-based Promasidor Holdings, makers of Top Tea.

The workers of the company after a peaceful protest tagged ‘save our job’ that started from the firm on BUK road to Kano Government House presented the petition to Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi Chief of Staff to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for intervention.

SolaceBase reports that the tea company’s General Manager, Abubakar Adam Dahir, highlighted their plea to the Chief of Staff.

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“Al-Imam Tea Herbs employs over 500 workers, providing quality products and creating employment opportunities in the region for the youth. However, our progress is being severely hampered by the actions of a foreign competitor,” said Dahir.

He said,“We seek your esteemed intervention in a matter that threatens the survival and growth of the young and locally-owned company that provides food on our table.

Dahir recounted the company’s legal troubles, stating, “In 2018, Promasidor Nigeria Limited filed a lawsuit against us over a trademark issue. We had legitimately registered the trademark with the Trademark Registry, Commercial Law Department of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment. At the time, Promasidor Holdings had not registered the disputed trademark. Following a thorough search, we were issued a Certificate of Registration of Trademark by the federal government.”

“Besides taking us to court, this foreign company has resorted to unethical and intimidating tactics to stifle our growth. They have used the police to intimidate us by arresting us, the workers on dubious charges and taken us to Abuja, far from our homes and families. This disrupts our operations and imposes significant financial burdens on the company. The owners of our company who are youth just like ourselves had to borrow money repeatedly to cover legal expenses and secure the release of us, the employees, diverting crucial resources away from business development.”

 “It is clear that the foreign company is using its influence to manipulate law enforcement agents and maintain its monopoly, to the detriment of local businesses and the broader economic interests of Kano State,” Dahir added.

“If this intimidation continues, the owners of our company will have no option but to lay off workers, rendering us jobless. We humbly request your intervention to address this issue and ensure a level playing field for all businesses in Kano. Your support in this matter will help us overcome these challenges and send a strong message that Kano State is committed to fostering a fair and competitive business environment.”

“The future of the young company and the livelihoods of many of us depend on your decisive action. We are confident that, with your intervention, we can overcome these challenges and continue to contribute positively to the economy of Kano State. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. We remain hopeful for a swift and favorable resolution.”

The letter urged the government to investigate the actions of Promasidor Nigeria Limited and their alleged undue influence on law enforcement agencies.

It also called for measures to ensure that workers are protected from unlawful arrests and intimidation. Additionally, the company requested the facilitation of dialogue between all parties to resolve the issues amicably. The letter emphasized the need for support of local businesses by promoting policies that discourage monopolistic practices and encourage fair competition. Furthermore, it sought government assistance to help the company employ more youth in the state.

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Receiving the letter on behalf of the Kano State governor, Chief of Staff Shehu Wada Sagagi assured the company of the government’s support. “I will present your letter to Kano State governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. I know he will take this issue seriously. As long as the documents you presented are genuine, we will follow the case and ensure justice prevails.”

“I am happy to see young people like you engaged in a business that will improve the economy of Kano State. I wish you all the best,” Sagagi added.