The Federal Government has ordered the closure of two factories in Ogun State for serious violations of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) regulations.

The affected facilities, True Metals Nigeria Limited and Phoenix Steel Mills Limited, are located along the Ikorodu-Sagamu industrial corridor. The closures followed an unscheduled inspection on Monday by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, accompanied by Florence Owie, Director of OSH, and OSH officials from Lagos and Ogun states.

At True Metals Nigeria Limited, a battery recycling plant, workers were reportedly exposed to unprotected lead emissions, operated without mandatory automation equipment, and lacked access to proper sanitation. Onyejeocha expressed shock at the unsafe and degrading working conditions, stating:

“That jobs are provided does not justify putting lives at risk. Every Nigerian worker deserves a safe and dignified work environment.”

The factory was immediately sealed until it meets all OSH standards.

At Phoenix Steel Mills Limited, the minister could not access the factory floor due to impassable internal roads. She also noted stagnant water and inadequate drainage, citing these as blatant violations of the Factory Act and a disregard for worker safety. The facility was similarly sealed pending corrective action and a follow-up inspection.

Addressing journalists, Onyejeocha warned that enforcement would be rigorous and continuous, emphasizing that mistreatment and dehumanization of Nigerian workers would no longer be tolerated:

“In too many factories, workers are treated like they are not human, paid minimal wages while being exposed to dangerous conditions. That era is over.”

The minister added that factories complying with safety regulations would attract investment, while non-compliant operators risk closure. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ lives and ensuring humane treatment under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Occupational safety and health rules are non-negotiable. Every worker; skilled, unskilled, male, female, deserves dignity, fair wages, and protection,” Onyejeocha concluded.