Reports have emerged in the media about recent issues between a popular Chinese mobile phone company and its staff being at a loggerhead over some impending failed agreements, contracts and workers maltreatment.
According to a reliable source, a major protest broke out at the company’s head office in Ikeja, Lagos.
Our source noted that issues have been ongoing for months with staff members constantly complaining about the ridiculous KPIs and targets given to field sales representatives, supervisors and marketers.
It was further shared that feedback and challenges being faced by the staff were shared with their Chinese managers who pretend to understand but rather than make changes they further increase their market targets.
Our source shared that when targets are even met their Chinese bosses find ways to shift the goal post on commissions, bonuses and other incentives due them.
Cause of protest
On Thursday, June 26, 2025, a protest allegedly broke out at the head office of the Chinese mobile phone company In Lagos.
Staff members of the company revolted asking for better treatment and assurances that contract terms are kept to.
When some of their Lagos bosses tried to prove difficult, issues escalated and were about to get violent.
However, many of the company’s top guys were called in to shut down the brewing chaos from turning into full scale protests.
Misleading Recruitment Promises
The grievances run deeper than just KPIs. New recruits are reportedly lured with exaggerated figures and promises of high monthly salaries and incentives which, according to employees, are rarely fulfilled once contracts are signed. Many staff claim they joined the company with expectations shaped by inflated earning potentials, only to be handed conditions that make those targets nearly impossible to meet.
They advertise mouth-watering salaries to attract job seekers, but once you’re in, you realize it’s all smoke and mirrors.
Insiders say the protest represents more than just discontent over failed targets or unpaid commissions; it is the result of a larger pattern of deception and exploitation.
Exaggerated Camera Claims Spark Consumer Distrust
In addition, customers also allege that the company has consistently relied on exaggerated figures to both recruit new staff and market its products to unsuspecting consumers. A clear example lies in the promotion of the Redmi 14C and Redmi A5 smartphones. According to marketing materials, the Redmi 14C is said to feature a 13MP front camera and a 50 MP AI dual back camera. However, several customers and users have disputed these claims, stating that the actual front camera feels closer to 8MP, while the back camera performance is more in line with a 20MP device far below the marketed specifications.
Similarly, the Redmi A5 is advertised as having a 8MP front camera and 32 MP AI dual camera, but tech-savvy users have questioned this claim as well. One dissatisfied customer took to the company’s official page on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote:
According to our reliable source an emergency meeting involving field reps, marketers, and promoters was held in the aftermath of the protest. While discussions have begun, many of the key issues including fair compensation, achievable KPIs, and ethical marketing practices remain unresolved.
We will continue to bring Nigerians updates on the ongoing conflict between Xiaomi Nigeria and its workforce as new developments unfold.
