The Federal Government has sealed two industrial facilities in Ogun State for flagrant breaches of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations, citing life-threatening working conditions.
According to Daily Post Nigeria, True Metals Nigeria Limited, a battery recycling plant, and Phoenix Steel Mills Limited, both located along the Ikorodu-Sagamu industrial corridor, were shut on Tuesday following an unannounced inspection led by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Truth Live News learnt that, accompanied by the Director of Occupational Safety and Health, Mrs Florence Owie, and OSH officials from Lagos and Ogun states, the minister ordered the immediate closure of both factories until full compliance is achieved.
At True Metals Nigeria Limited, workers were found exposed to unprotected lead emissions, operating without mandatory automation equipment and lacking proper sanitation facilities despite previous warnings.
“That jobs are provided does not justify putting lives at risk. We cannot claim to be creating employment while endangering lives. Every Nigerian worker deserves a safe and dignified work environment,” Onyejeocha said.
At Phoenix Steel Mills Limited, the minister could not access the factory floor due to impassable internal roads, while stagnant water and poor drainage were described as blatant violations of the Factory Act.
Addressing journalists after the exercise, Onyejeocha declared that the era of treating Nigerian workers as less than human is over.
“In too many factories, workers are treated like they are not human, paid minimal wages while being exposed to dangerous conditions. That era is over,” she said.
“Occupational safety and health rules are non-negotiable. Every worker; skilled, unskilled, male, female, deserves dignity, fair wages, and protection. The economy cannot be used as an excuse to endanger lives,” the minister added.
She warned that enforcement will be rigorous and continuous, noting that factories that comply with safety standards will attract investment, while repeat offenders face permanent closure.
The minister reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to protecting workers’ lives and ensuring humane treatment across all sectors.
