Nigerian Government Shuts Down Ogun Factory Over Alleged Dangerous Working Conditions

Nigeria’s Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company (ARAP) in Ogun State after inspectors reportedly discovered working conditions that could pose serious health risks to employees.

The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, following an inspection carried out by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Authorities said the inspection took place at the company’s factory located along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State, where investigators reportedly identified conditions that could endanger workers.

Government Issues Prohibition Notice

A statement released by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, confirmed that the government had served the company with a Prohibition Notice, forcing the facility to halt operations pending the outcome of further investigations.

According to the ministry, the enforcement action followed several complaints about unsafe conditions inside the factory, particularly allegations that workers were being exposed to silica dust, a hazardous substance associated with severe occupational illnesses.

Silica dust exposure is widely known to cause long-term health complications for workers, including respiratory diseases and other serious industrial health conditions.

Concerns Over Regulatory Compliance

Initial findings from the government’s inspection also raised questions about the company’s regulatory compliance.

Officials said investigators observed possible irregularities regarding the renewal of the firm’s operational licence. There were also concerns about differences between the company’s officially registered activities and its current production operations.

The ministry noted that these issues could amount to breaches of the Factories Act of Nigeria, particularly Section 30, which outlines safety standards for workplaces where employees may be exposed to hazardous substances.

Minister Explains Reason for Shutdown

Explaining the decision, Onyejeocha said suspending operations was necessary to protect workers from potential health hazards while authorities carry out a full investigation.

“The action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks,” the minister said.

She added that the ministry has already established a joint inspection and investigative team to evaluate the company’s compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.

Further Directives Expected

The investigative team is expected to determine whether the factory violated workplace safety laws and recommend further actions once its review is completed.

Onyejeocha stressed that the government would not hesitate to enforce labour laws against companies found to be endangering their workforce.

She reaffirmed that safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of Nigerian workers remains a priority for the government.

The shutdown comes amid increasing scrutiny of workplace safety practices across Nigeria’s industrial sector, with labour groups urging stricter enforcement of occupational health regulations.