FG Responds Swiftly As Hon. Ayoola-Elegbeji Raises Alarm Over Worker Safety In Remo

Ogijo — The Federal Government has taken decisive action to safeguard workers’ health and safety following alarming revelations of hazardous conditions in several industrial facilities in Ogun State.

Three factories located in Ogijo—African Refractory and Allied Products Limited (ARAP), African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited, and Metalworld Recycling Limited—have been shut down by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment after inspections uncovered severe safety violations.

Investigations revealed that the companies were operating without essential safety measures, including proper ventilation systems, adequate protective equipment, and established occupational health protocols. Workers were reportedly exposed to dangerous substances, particularly used lead-acid batteries, without necessary safeguards.

Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such toxic materials significantly increases the risk of lead poisoning, a serious condition capable of causing irreversible damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and other vital organs.

The swift enforcement action followed a motion raised in the House of Representatives by Hon. Dr. Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji, who represents the Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency. 

In her motion, she called attention to the unsafe working conditions and urged an urgent review of Nigeria’s outdated Factories Act, alongside stricter enforcement of occupational safety standards.

Responding promptly, the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, ordered the immediate closure of the affected facilities, signaling the government’s commitment to protecting Nigerian workers.

Commending the Ministry’s action, Ayoola-Elegbeji described the intervention as a clear demonstration of the impact of proactive legislative oversight.

“This intervention underscores the importance of modernizing our labour laws and ensuring that no Nigerian worker is forced to choose between earning a living and staying alive,” she stated.

She further emphasized that weak regulatory enforcement and obsolete legal frameworks have allowed unsafe industrial practices to persist across the country. According to her, comprehensive reforms are urgently needed, including stronger inspection systems, stricter penalties for violators, and improved monitoring mechanisms.

Labour advocates and public health experts have welcomed the government’s action, describing it as a critical step toward protecting workers’ rights and wellbeing. 

However, they stressed the need for sustained enforcement and regular inspections to prevent a recurrence of such violations.

Residents of the Remo area have also expressed relief, citing longstanding concerns over environmental pollution and health risks associated with industrial operations in the community.

Reaffirming her commitment, Ayoola-Elegbeji pledged to continue pushing for legislative reforms that will ensure safer workplaces and protect the dignity of Nigerian workers.

“The safety of our people is non-negotiable,” she said. “We will not relent until every workplace meets the standards that protect human life and dignity.”

The incident has reignited nationwide discussions on industrial regulation and worker protection, with growing calls for urgent updates to Nigeria’s labour laws to align with global best practices.