Prism Steel Mills Appeals to Ikirun Youth, Seeks Dialogue Over Planned Protest

Prism Steel Mills Ltd., located along Km 12 Osogbo-Ikirun Road in Osun State, has appealed to members of the National Ikirun Progressive Union (NIPU), Abuja Chapter, to suspend their planned peaceful protest and embrace dialogue in resolving issues raised against the company.

In a letter dated August 26, 2025, and signed by the company’s Personnel/Admin Manager, T. R. Soyode, Prism Steel Mills acknowledged the concerns of the union while pledging its readiness to engage constructively with community representatives.

The company stated: “We believe that the issues raised are of significant interest in maintaining a more cordial, peaceful and harmonious co-existence with our host community. It is in the light of these general concerns raised and our commitment in considering and resolving same amicably we wish and humbly request the union executives to sheath their sword to suspend the planned peaceful protest to pave way for a peaceful dialogue.”

Prism Steel further requested a formal meeting with NIPU representatives, noting: “We are by this letter requesting for a forum for our management to meet the union representatives to deliberate and come up with a more resolute and viable position on the general concerns raised.”

On allegations regarding its operations, the company emphasized compliance with environmental standards:
“Our production operations are within permissible limits and being monitored periodically by relevant agencies of government like NESREA, Federal Ministry of Environment, Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation and Bureau of Social Services. After assessment we are issued Environmental Audit Certificate, Air Quality Permits, Waste and Toxic Substances Permit as proof of certification. There is no effluent discharge into the surrounding environment from our production operations and neither are we in use of chemicals or toxic substances in our production line.”

The steel manufacturer added that it operates a Pollution Abatement Plant (PAP) equipped with an air bag system to regulate emissions, which has been inspected and certified by regulatory agencies.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the company announced immediate plans to provide two boreholes for Ikirun communities and a medical outreach for residents of Ikirun and Iragbiji. “We have already committed with immediate effect the installation of (2) boreholes at any site location to be decided by the Eesa of Ikirun Land and the Akinrun-in-Council. Plans are also in conclusive stage to have a medical camping for the healthcare benefit of our host communities,” the letter read.

Reiterating its commitment, the management assured: “Finally, we express our commitment to prioritize the concerns raised and address all grey areas in the overall interest of all.”

The letter was copied to the Ifelodun Local Government, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Federal Ministry of Environment, Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, and the Bureau of Social Services.