FG shuts down three factories in Ogun over worker’s safety violations, deaths

The federal government has ordered the closure of three factories in the Ogijo area of Ogun State over alleged safety violations and reported worker fatalities.

The affected companies are African Refractory and Allied Products (ARAP), African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited, and Metalworld Recycling Limited.

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced the directive on Wednesday during an occupational safety and health inspection of the facilities.

According to the minister, the government can no longer allow the companies to endanger lives through unsafe operational practices, noting that their activities had been linked to multiple deaths.

She disclosed that officials of the ministry had previously visited the factories to warn management about safety hazards and regulatory breaches. The companies were also issued a 90-day compliance notice on December 9, 2025, but allegedly failed to respond.

“We have given them notice in writing as far back as December 9, 2025, on clear violations of required safety standards, mandatory hazard training, and provision of personal protective equipment,” Onyejeocha said.

“All the factories failed to comply. There was no response to the notice, and no corrective action was taken. The truth is they do not appear to value human lives. People are reportedly dying on a regular basis, and the figures remain largely unaccounted for.”

The minister stated that the affected companies would face sanctions in line with relevant labour and safety regulations, stressing that due process was followed before the enforcement action.