Federal Government Closes Factories for Safety Violations in Ogun State
The Federal Government took decisive action on Wednesday by shutting down three factories in the Ogijo industrial hub of Ogun State due to ongoing safety infractions. Minister of Labor and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejocha, expressed concern over the negligence exhibited by these operators, warning that it has led to unnoticed fatalities among workers and could prompt stricter penalties, including potential prison time.
The impacted facilities—African Refractory and Allied Products (ARAP), African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited, and Metalworld Recycling Limited—were engaged in the hazardous manual processing of used and spent batteries into lead ingots without appropriate safety measures or automation. Such activities pose significant risks due to the possibility of exposure to toxic substances.
The closures occurred during an inspection initiated by the minister herself, prompted by repeated failures to adhere to safety directives set forth by the Ministry of Labor and Employment. Conversely, Vedanta Metal Industries Ltd. managed to evade closure after demonstrating progress in automating its operations and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Onyejocha revealed her shock that, despite receiving formal notifications, the affected factories failed to implement necessary changes. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that negligence has led to numerous unreported cases of worker fatalities.
The Minister underscored that industrial hazards, such as excessive dust and poor maintenance, had been brought to the attention of operators through both warnings and inspections. Yet, many have allegedly disregarded these instructions, at times falsely claiming compliance. She lamented, “We are swimming in the dust and they say they complied. How?” highlighting that fundamental safety measures, such as proper paving and safe working environments, are being overlooked.
Onyejocha confirmed that the closures are part of a broader enforcement strategy backed by due legal notice, indicating additional sanctions are forthcoming under existing laws. “There will be sanctions. Everything we do here has consequences,” she stated emphatically.
Looking ahead, the minister revealed that the government is currently reviewing its occupational safety regulations and plans to implement stricter penalties, potentially including criminal liability for violations. She raised the possibility of harsher measures, including capital punishment, when discussing the ongoing work on the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) bill.
In response to previous regulatory inconsistencies, Onyejocha criticized operators for bypassing safety protocols, especially when making shifts in production processes—such as changing from lead to aluminum—without proper approvals or assessments. Moreover, she addressed concerns related to oversight duplication between federal and state agencies, particularly the Ogun State Environmental Authority, clarifying that there should be a collaborative effort rather than any conflict.
The Ministry has declared a “state of emergency” regarding compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, pledging to enhance enforcement measures nationwide as part of its commitment to worker safety.
