The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company (ARAP) due to unsafe working conditions that allegedly endanger employees’ health. The directive was issued by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, following an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The inspection, conducted at ARAP’s facility along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway in Ogijo, Ogun State, revealed concerns over exposure to silica dust, a hazardous substance linked to serious occupational health risks. The ministry also flagged regulatory compliance issues, including irregularities with the company’s operational licence and discrepancies between declared and actual production activities.

A Prohibition Notice has been issued, mandating the factory’s shutdown pending a detailed investigation. Onyejeocha stated, “The action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks.”

A joint inspection and investigative team has been constituted to assess the company’s adherence to occupational safety and health standards. The ministry stressed that further directives will follow the completion of the investigation, reaffirming that breaches of workplace safety regulations will not be tolerated.

This move underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerian workers’ health and welfare amid rising concerns over industrial workplace safety in the country.