The Federal Government has ordered the closure of three factories located in Ogijo, Ogun State, citing severe safety violations that pose significant risks to human lives. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made the decision during an inspection exercise focused on Occupational Safety and Health.

The factories affected by this closure order are African Refractory and Allied Products, African Non-Ferrous Industries Ltd., and Metalworld Recycling Ltd. These facilities are all situated within the Ogijo industrial area.

Minister Onyejeocha stated that these companies had previously received formal notices on December 9, 2025. These notices detailed breaches of mandatory safety standards, including the failure to conduct hazard training and provide essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to workers.

Despite these warnings, the minister noted that the factories did not respond or implement the necessary corrective measures to address the identified risks. She emphasized that the continued disregard for safety protocols has been linked to multiple fatalities, with several incidents allegedly going unreported.

The sealed factories will now face sanctions in accordance with existing labour and safety regulations. The ministry had reportedly engaged with the operators multiple times to address the hazards before resorting to enforcement actions.

Onyejeocha stressed that industrial operators must prioritize worker safety and warned that the government would not tolerate negligence that endangers lives. She also reiterated the requirement for factories to obtain proper approvals and certifications from relevant authorities before changing production processes or upgrading operations.

Adherence to safety standards is non-negotiable, and economic activities must not compromise human lives, the minister added. Meanwhile, Vedanta Metal Industries Ltd., another company in the vicinity, received a directive to improve its housekeeping practices but was not shut down.

In a related development, the Ogun State Government had previously ordered the closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Limited (ARAP) last month. This action followed a viral video where a former employee alleged contracting silicosis, a lung disease, while working at the company, which processes quartz stones.

The State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, announced that ARAP would remain shut pending the completion of investigations. He assured the public of the government's commitment to uncovering the truth and protecting workers' health.

This action by the Minister is part of the government's ongoing efforts to standardize operations within the manufacturing sector. Last year, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) shut down over 240 factories in Aba, Abia State, for producing adulterated wines and beverages.