Minister of Labour and Employment (State), Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, made a decisive visit to Ogun State on Friday, ordering the immediate closure of Metal Manufacturing Company in Gbara, near Sotubo, Sagamu Local Government.
The shutdown came in response to numerous petitions highlighting hazardous working conditions faced by the company’s employees.
The manufacturing firm, specializing in battery production, had caught the minister’s attention for its repeated failure to supply necessary protective gear to its workforce, despite warnings from the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Expressing her concern, Minister Onyejeocha criticized the company’s management for their consistent non-compliance with both national laws and international standards, leading her to personally intervene and impose sanctions during her visit to the state.
Speaking to the media on-site, the minister revealed, “Upon learning about the situation at this company, I directed my staff to ensure adherence to the law, especially considering their dealings with lead, which poses significant health risks. I stressed the urgency for the company to rectify its operations and ensure that workers are adequately equipped to prevent unnecessary endangerment. Regrettably, the company has shown no willingness to take corrective action.”
Having inspected the facility firsthand, Minister Onyejeocha expressed shock at the conditions, deeming them “even worse than described” and “completely unacceptable.” She highlighted the absence of essential safety measures, such as workers not wearing protective boots or helmets while handling materials.
“I have never witnessed such irresponsibility from any manufacturer. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration will not tolerate such illegal practices,” she declared. “We will not permit our country to become a dumping ground for those seeking to exploit cheap labor while disregarding the safety of Nigerian workers.”
In conclusion, Minister Onyejeocha reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing such practices, emphasizing, “President Tinubu’s government strongly opposes these unethical practices. Those unwilling to operate in accordance with our laws are free to shut down and leave. It’s time they cease subjecting our people to dehumanizing conditions under the guise of providing employment.”
