By Danjuma Amodu | March 19, 2026
The Honourable Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has ordered the closure of three companies in Ogijo, Ogun State, for serious safety violations. The move follows a factory inspection that revealed workers were being exposed to hazardous substances without proper protection.
The affected firms are, African Refractory and Allied Products, African Non-Ferrous Industries Ltd., and Metalworld Recycling Ltd. These companies were found to have persistently flouted mandatory safety regulations.
According to the minister, the companies had earlier received formal notices dated December 9, 2025, detailing multiple infractions, including failure to conduct hazard training and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers. However, they neither responded nor took corrective action.
“The factories failed to comply with directives. There was no response to the notice and no effort made to address the identified risks,” Onyejeocha said.
In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Minister expressed concern over the companies’ failure to comply with safety directives, stating that lives were being put at risk.
“What we saw was deeply concerning. Workers were exposed to hazardous substances in unsafe conditions, with little or no protection. These companies had been given clear directives to correct these issues but failed to comply,” Onyejeocha said.
The facilities, which have been operating in breach of safety regulations, were found to be running under conditions that posed significant risks to workers’ health and wellbeing.
“We can not say we are creating jobs while we are putting lives at risk. There is no price for life,” the Minister emphasised.
The action is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises the protection of Nigerian workers. “Safety is not optional. Safety is the law,” Onyejeocha stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing labour standards and ensuring a safe working environment for all employees.
