By Jane Okafor, Abuja
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of African Refractory and Allied Products Company (ARAP) over alleged unsafe working conditions said to pose serious health risks to its employees.
The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, following an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at the company’s facility along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway in Ogijo, Ogun State.
The Daily Crucible reports that Silica dust is primarily derived from cutting, grinding, or drilling materials like stone, rock, and concrete, thereby releasing smooth Respirable (inhalable) Crystalline Silica (RCS) particles. Inhalation causes severe, irreversible lung diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), often taking years to develop. Prevention requires engineering controls, such as water suppression and ventilation, and proper respiratory protective equipment (RPE).
Key health effects include silicosis: irreversible, incurable scarring of the lung tissue that makes breathing difficult, long-term exposure is linked to high cancer risks, according to healthcare specialists while
other conditions associated with silica dust are kidney disease, and increased risk of tuberculosis.
Addressing the unsafe work environment of the Ogijo – based factory through a statement released by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, the government confirmed that a Prohibition Notice had been served on the company, resulting in the immediate closure of the factory pending the outcome of a detailed investigation.
According to the ministry, the action followed several complaints alleging unsafe working conditions at the facility, particularly the exposure of workers to silica dust, a hazardous substance known to cause severe occupational health complications.
Preliminary findings from the inspection also raised concerns about the company’s regulatory compliance. Officials observed issues relating to the renewal of the company’s operational licence and discrepancies between its officially declared business activities and the nature of its current production operations.
The ministry stated that the issues identified during the inspection may constitute violations of Nigeria’s Factories Act, particularly Section 30, which outlines safety requirements designed to protect workers exposed to harmful substances in industrial environments.
Speaking on the development, Onyejeocha said the decision to halt operations was taken to safeguard workers while the investigation continues.
“The action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks,” the minister said.
She added that the ministry had constituted a joint inspection and investigative team to assess the company’s level of compliance with occupational safety and health regulations.
According to her, further directives would be issued after the investigative process is concluded.
Reaffirming the government’s stance, Onyejeocha warned that authorities would not tolerate violations of workplace safety standards.
She stressed that safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of Nigerian workers remains a priority for the Federal Government.
The development comes amid increasing concerns among labour stakeholders about workplace safety practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector, with growing calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations.
