Two Industrial Facilities Shut Down Over Safety Breaches
The Federal Government, in collaboration with Ogun State authorities, has taken decisive action against two manufacturing companies for serious violations of occupational safety standards. True Metals Nigeria Limited and Phoenix Steel Mills Limited, both situated along the busy Ikorodu–Sagamu industrial corridor, were officially sealed on November 25, 2025, following an inspection that revealed alarming safety conditions.
Minister's Inspection Reveals Hazardous Working Conditions
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, led the inspection team that included the Director of Occupational Safety and Health, Mrs. Florence Owie, alongside officials from OSH Departments in Lagos and Ogun states. During the visit to True Metals Nigeria Limited, a battery recycling plant, the Minister expressed shock at the dangerous environment workers were subjected to daily.
Unprotected exposure to lead emissions, poor sanitation facilities, and complete absence of required automation were among the critical violations observed. Despite previous verbal warnings issued to the company management, no improvements had been made to protect workers' health and safety.
"That you are giving our people jobs does not warrant putting their lives at risk," Minister Onyejeocha stated firmly. "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."
Inaccessible Factory and Environmental Hazards
The situation at Phoenix Steel Mills Limited proved equally concerning. The inspection team was unable to properly assess the facility because internal access roads were unsafe and completely impassable. The Minister noted the presence of stagnant water with no drainage system, constituting a clear violation of the Factory Act.
"If the internal roads of a factory are not passable for humans, we can imagine what is inside," Onyejeocha remarked. "Such conditions show disregard for both workers and basic safety standards."
The immediate sealing of both facilities was ordered until they achieve full compliance with Occupational Safety and Health regulations. The companies must undertake comprehensive remediation before any consideration of reopening.
Government's Stern Warning to Employers
Following the enforcement action, the Minister delivered a strong message to employers across Nigeria. She emphasized that the era of mistreating workers under the guise of job creation has ended.
"In many factories, Nigerians are treated as if they are not human beings. You take workers, pay them ₦3,000 or ₦4,000 a day, and expose them to danger. That era is over," she declared.
The Minister outlined the government's renewed commitment to enforcement: "We are not going to leave them sleeping. We will continue the inspections, and if we find you wanting, we will seal your factory. If you do the right thing, you attract more investment. If you don't, you will not operate."
She reminded employers that OSH regulations are not optional and cannot be ignored due to economic challenges. "Occupational safety and health has rules. Every worker must be protected. You cannot say the economy is bad and then use that excuse to endanger lives," Onyejeocha emphasized.
The Minister concluded by reinforcing the government's position under the Renewed Hope Agenda: "We must never create jobs that take lives. Every worker matters."
