The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company (ARAP) over concerns about unsafe working conditions that allegedly expose employees to serious health risks.
The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, following an inspection conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The inspection took place at the company’s facility located along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway in Ogijo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
According to a statement by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, the government issued a Prohibition Notice that led to the immediate shutdown of the factory pending the outcome of a detailed investigation.
The ministry explained that the action followed several reports alleging unsafe working conditions at the facility, particularly the exposure of workers to silica dust, a hazardous industrial substance linked to serious occupational diseases.
Initial findings from the inspection also revealed possible regulatory violations, including issues surrounding the renewal of the company’s operational licence and discrepancies between its declared operations and its current production activities.
The ministry noted that the issues observed during the inspection could constitute violations of the Factories Act of Nigeria, particularly Section 30, which outlines safety measures designed to protect workers exposed to harmful substances in industrial workplaces.
Speaking on the development, Onyejeocha said the shutdown was necessary to protect workers from further exposure to potential health hazards while investigations continue.
“The action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks,” the minister stated.
She added that the ministry had constituted a joint inspection and investigative team to assess the company’s compliance with occupational safety and health standards.
According to the minister, further directives will be issued after the investigative process is completed.
Onyejeocha also warned that the government would not tolerate violations of workplace safety regulations.
She emphasised that safeguarding the health, safety and welfare of Nigerian workers remains a top priority for the government.
The development comes amid growing concerns among labour stakeholders over workplace safety practices in Nigeria’s industrial sector and increasing calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health regulations.
