Federal Government Orders Immediate Shutdown of ARAP Over Unsafe Working Conditions
Federal Government Orders Immediate Shutdown of ARAP Over Unsafe Working Conditions
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company (ARAP) following concerns about unsafe working conditions that allegedly put employees at serious health risk.
The directive was issued by Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, after an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. The inspection was conducted at ARAP’s facility along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway in Ogijo, Ogun State.
In a statement, the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, confirmed that a Prohibition Notice had been served, resulting in the immediate shutdown of the factory pending a detailed investigation.
The closure follows multiple reports alleging unsafe conditions at the facility, particularly exposing workers to silica dust, a hazardous substance linked to serious occupational health problems. The inspection also highlighted concerns over regulatory compliance, including lapses in renewing the company’s operational licence and discrepancies between declared and actual production activities.
The ministry noted that these issues may constitute violations of Nigeria’s Factories Act, particularly Section 30, which mandates safety measures for workers exposed to harmful industrial substances.
Speaking on the shutdown, Onyejeocha said, “The action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks.” She added that a joint inspection and investigative team has been constituted to assess the company’s compliance with occupational safety and health standards, with further directives to follow upon completion of the investigation.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Onyejeocha warned that authorities would not tolerate breaches of workplace safety regulations, emphasizing that protecting the health, safety, and welfare of Nigerian workers remains a top priority.
The development comes amid growing concerns among labour stakeholders over workplace safety in Nigeria’s industrial sector and increasing calls for stricter enforcement of occupational health and safety regulations.
