The National Industrial Court in Ibadan on Tuesday ordered Nestle Nigeria PLC to pay N10 million in compensation for negligence, resulting in an injury sustained by one of its employees, Ilesanmi Temokun.
Temokun, through his counsel, Mr. Tope Temokun, had filed a lawsuit against Nestle Nigeria and Mary Bolajoko Consultancy Services Limited, seeking damages after a serious workplace injury occurred on September 4, 2021. The incident involved an iron locker falling on Temokun while he was on the company’s premises, leading to life-threatening injuries.
During the proceedings, the claimant’s lawyer urged the court to award N10 million in damages, highlighting the severe nature of the injury, which left his client diagnosed with spinal shock and advised to avoid strenuous activities or standing for long periods.
Counsel for Nestle, Mr. Abraham Adeoye, sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that it lacked merit. However, in his ruling, Justice John Peters emphasized the responsibility of employers to ensure a safe working environment for their employees.
Justice Peters stated that the accident could have been prevented if the iron locker in the company’s cloakroom had been properly secured. He noted that the claimant, a young man of 35, now faces limitations in his ability to perform physical tasks due to the injury.
While the court did not hold the second defendant, Mary Bolajoko Consultancy Services, responsible—since their role was limited to recruitment—the judge found Nestle Nigeria liable for breaching its duty of care to the claimant.
“The claimant has successfully discharged the burden of proof, and I hereby award N10 million in compensation for the injury sustained while working at Nestle Nigeria PLC,” said Justice Peters. He also awarded an additional N500,000 in litigation costs to the claimant.
The judge further ruled that the judgment sum would accrue a 20% annual interest until the full amount is paid.
