The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of three factories in Ogijo, Ogun State, over serious safety violations deemed hazardous to workers and nearby residents.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, issued the directive on Wednesday during an Occupational Safety and Health inspection of the industrial area.
The affected firms—African Refractory and Allied Products, African Non-Ferrous Industries Ltd., and Metalworld Recycling Ltd.—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.
She further revealed that the safety lapses had been linked to several fatalities, with some incidents allegedly going unreported.
Onyejeocha stressed that the government would not tolerate negligence that endangers human lives, adding that the affected companies would face sanctions in line with existing labour and safety laws.
She also warned industrial operators to obtain necessary approvals before altering production processes or upgrading operations, reiterating that compliance with safety standards is non-negotiable.
Meanwhile, Vedanta Metal Industries Ltd., also located in the area, was spared closure but directed to urgently improve its housekeeping practices.
