Due to major violations of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, the Federal Government has ordered the shutdown of two companies in Ogun State.
The Ikorodu-Sagamu industrial corridor is home to the impacted establishments, Phoenix Steel Mills Limited and True Metals Nigeria Limited.
Following an unplanned inspection on Monday by Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labor and Employment, the announcement was made in a statement on Tuesday.
Mrs. Florence Owie, the Director of Occupational Safety and Health, and OSH representatives from Lagos and Ogun states accompanied her.
According to Onyejeocha, the government under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda will not put up with firms who put workers in risk while claiming to be creating jobs.
The minister expressed dismay at the hazardous and deteriorating working conditions at True Metals Nigeria Limited, a battery recycling facility.
Despite earlier warnings, workers reportedly had access to inadequate sanitation, were exposed to unprotected lead emissions, and operated without required automation equipment.
“The availability of jobs does not excuse endangering human life. While putting lives in danger, we cannot claim to be generating jobs. According to Onyejeocha, “every Nigerian worker deserves a safe and dignified work environment.”
The factory was sealed right away until it complied with all OSH requirements.
The minister at Phoenix Steel Mills Limited was unable to reach the factory floor because internal routes were blocked.
Additionally, she saw inadequate drainage and stagnant water, which she characterized as flagrant violations of the Factory Act and a disrespect for worker safety.
In a similar vein, the plant was sealed while remedial actions and a follow-up inspection were conducted.
Speaking to reporters, Onyejeocha emphasized that abuse and dehumanization of Nigerian workers would not be allowed and issued a warning that enforcement would be strict and ongoing.
“Too many factories treat their employees like animals, pay them pitiful wages, and expose them to hazardous working conditions. “That era is over,” she declared.
She continued by saying that while non-compliant operators run the possibility of closure, factories that adhere to safety requirements would draw investment.
Rules pertaining to occupational safety and health cannot be negotiated. All workers, whether skilled or unskilled, male or female, should be treated with respect, paid fairly, and protected. Onyejeocha stated that putting lives in danger cannot be justified by the state of the economy.
Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of workers and guaranteeing humane treatment in all sectors.
