Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
Ogijo — Three industrial facilities in Ogijo have been shut down by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment following the discovery of severe safety violations that exposed workers to life-threatening conditions.
The affected companies—African Refractory and Allied Products Limited (ARAP), African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited, and Metalworld Recycling Limited—were found to be operating without adequate safety measures, including proper ventilation systems, protective equipment, and established occupational health protocols.
According to officials, workers in these factories were routinely exposed to hazardous substances, particularly used lead-acid batteries, without safeguards. Experts warn that such exposure significantly increases the risk of lead poisoning, a condition that can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and other vital organs.
The closures were ordered by the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, in what has been described as a swift and decisive response to growing concerns over workplace safety in the area.
The action follows a motion raised in the House of Representatives by Hon. Dr. Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, who represents the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency. In her motion, she called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s outdated Factories Act and advocated for stricter enforcement of occupational safety and health regulations nationwide.
Speaking after the enforcement action, Ayoola-Elegbeji commended the Ministry for acting promptly, noting that the development demonstrates the impact of proactive legislative engagement.
“This intervention underscores the importance of modernizing our labour laws and ensuring that no Nigerian worker is forced to choose between earning a living and staying alive,” she said.
She emphasized that weak regulatory enforcement and outdated legal frameworks have allowed unsafe practices to persist in many industrial settings across the country. She called for comprehensive reforms, including stronger inspection systems, stiffer penalties for violators, and improved monitoring mechanisms.
Labour advocates and public health experts have also welcomed the closures, describing them as a necessary step toward safeguarding workers’ rights and wellbeing. They, however, urged the government to sustain the momentum through continuous inspections and enforcement actions.
Residents of the Remo area have expressed relief at the development, citing long-standing concerns about environmental pollution and health risks linked to industrial activities in the community.
Ayoola-Elegbeji reiterated her commitment to ensuring the safety and dignity of workers and residents alike, stating that legislative efforts would continue until acceptable safety standards are fully enforced across Nigeria’s workplaces.
“The safety of our people is non-negotiable,” she affirmed. “We will not relent until every workplace meets the standards that protect human life and dignity.”
The incident has reignited national conversations about industrial regulation and worker protection, with many stakeholders now calling for immediate legislative updates to align Nigeria’s labour laws with global best practices.
