The Federal Government has shut down two factories in Ogun State for what it described as serious violations of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards.
The affected companies—True Metals Nigeria Limited and Phoenix Steel Mills Limited—are located along the Ikorodu–Sagamu industrial corridor.
In a statement on Tuesday, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said the closures followed an unscheduled inspection on Monday. She was accompanied by the Director of Occupational Safety and Health, Mrs. Florence Owie, and officials from the OSH departments of Lagos and Ogun states.
Onyejeocha emphasized that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu would not tolerate employers who endanger workers under the guise of job creation.
At True Metals, a battery recycling plant, the minister expressed outrage over what she called hazardous and dehumanizing conditions, noting that workers were exposed to unprotected lead emissions, lacked proper sanitation, and operated without mandatory automation equipment despite previous warnings.
“That you are giving our people jobs does not justify putting their lives at risk,” she said. “We cannot say we are creating jobs while we are killing our people. There is no price for life. Every Nigerian deserves a safe and dignified working environment.” She immediately ordered the factory sealed until full compliance with OSH regulations.
At Phoenix Steel Mills, Onyejeocha could not access the factory floor due to unsafe and impassable internal roads. She also observed stagnant water and poor drainage, conditions that violated the Factory Act and reflected total disregard for safety.
“If the internal roads of a factory are not passable for humans, we can only imagine the hazards inside,” she said. “Such conditions show blatant disregard for both workers and basic safety standards.” The facility was sealed pending remediation and a fresh compliance assessment.
Addressing journalists, Onyejeocha warned that the ministry would intensify enforcement and would no longer tolerate the mistreatment or dehumanization of Nigerian workers.
“In many factories, Nigerians are treated as if they are not human beings. Workers are paid N3,000 or N4,000 a day and exposed to danger. That era is over,” she said, vowing sustained monitoring and sanctions.
“We will continue inspections, and if we find violations, we will seal your factory. Comply with the rules, and you attract investment. Ignore them, and you cannot operate.”
Onyejeocha reminded employers that safety regulations are non-negotiable. “Every worker must be protected. You cannot use economic excuses to endanger lives. Many investors will follow the rules if given the opportunity.”
She reaffirmed that all workers—skilled, unskilled, men, and women—deserve dignity, fair wages, and humane treatment.
“We must never create jobs that take lives. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, every worker matters,” she concluded.
