FG Shuts Down 3 Ogun Factories For Safety Violations Following Motion Raised By Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji

 FG Shuts Down 3 Ogun Factories For Safety Violations Following Motion Raised By Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji

Ogijo, Ogun State — In a decisive move to protect Nigerian workers from life-threatening industrial hazards, the Federal Government has shut down three factories in Ogijo over serious safety violations, following a motion raised in the House of Representatives by Hon. Dr. Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji.

The affected companies—African Refractory and Allied Products Limited (ARAP), African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited, and Metalworld Recycling Limited—were sealed by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment after inspections uncovered alarming breaches of occupational safety standards.

Findings revealed that workers in the facilities were routinely exposed to toxic substances, particularly used lead-acid batteries, without adequate protection. Critical safety measures such as proper ventilation systems, personal protective equipment, and established occupational health protocols were either insufficient or completely absent.

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such hazardous materials significantly increases the risk of lead poisoning—a dangerous condition known to cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and other vital organs.

The enforcement action comes on the heels of a motion presented by Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji, who represents the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency. 

The enforcement action comes on the heels of a motion presented by Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji, who represents the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency

In her address, she drew national attention to the unsafe conditions in industrial workplaces and called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s outdated Factories Act, alongside stricter enforcement of occupational safety regulations.

Acting swiftly on these concerns, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, directed the immediate closure of the non-compliant factories, underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ welfare.

Reacting to the development, Ayoola-Elegbeji commended the Ministry for its prompt response, noting that the action highlights the importance of legislative oversight in addressing critical national issues.

“This development reinforces the need to modernize our labour laws and ensure that no Nigerian is forced to risk their life in the course of earning a livelihood,” she stated.

She further emphasized that weak regulatory enforcement and outdated legal frameworks have long enabled unsafe industrial practices to persist across the country. She called for comprehensive reforms, including enhanced inspection regimes, stricter penalties for violators, and improved monitoring systems to ensure compliance.

This development reinforces the need to modernize our labour laws and ensure that no Nigerian is forced to risk their life in the course of earning a livelihood,”

Labour unions and public health advocates have welcomed the closures, describing them as a necessary step toward protecting workers’ rights and wellbeing. However, they stressed the importance of sustained enforcement to prevent a recurrence of such violations.

Residents of the Remo area have also expressed relief, citing longstanding concerns over environmental pollution and health risks associated with industrial activities in the community.

Residents of the Remo area have also expressed relief, citing longstanding concerns over environmental pollution and health risks associated with industrial activities in the community.

Reaffirming her commitment, Ayoola-Elegbeji pledged to continue advocating for policies that guarantee safer working environments and uphold the dignity of Nigerian workers.

“The safety of our people is non-negotiable,” she said. “We will not relent until every workplace meets acceptable standards that protect human life.”

The incident has reignited national discourse on industrial regulation and worker protection, with growing calls for urgent reforms to align Nigeria’s labour laws with global best practices.

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