By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Federal Government has issued a Prohibition Notice and ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company (ARAP) over alleged hazardous working conditions and regulatory breaches.
The directive, announced on Thursday, 5 March ,2026, followed a recent inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry of Labour and Employment at the company’s facility located at Km 46, Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway, Ogijo, Ogun State.
The order was issued by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, after a series of reports indicated that workers at the plant were exposed to silica dust and other associated health risks.
The statement announcing the closure was signed by Annah Daniel, Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour and Employment
According to the ministry, preliminary findings from the inspection revealed serious concerns about occupational safety, particularly workers’ exposure to harmful substances.
The reports also raised questions regarding workers’ paternity claims, which officials said are currently under review as part of an ongoing investigation.
In addition, the ministry identified regulatory issues, including matters relating to licence renewal and discrepancies between the company’s declared operations and its present production activities.
These concerns, the ministry noted, fall within the provisions of the Factories Act, especially Section 30, which governs the protection of workers exposed to hazardous substances.
Onyejeocha directed the immediate shutdown of the facility pending a comprehensive investigation, stating that the action was necessary to safeguard employees and prevent further risks.
“This action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks,” the minister said, reiterating the government’s commitment to enforcing occupational safety standards.
She disclosed that a joint inspection and investigative team has been constituted to determine the full extent of the company’s compliance with Occupational Safety and Health regulations.
Further directives, she added, would be issued upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The Minister emphasised the ministry’s zero tolerance for violations of occupational safety and health laws.
“The safety and welfare of Nigerian workers remains non-negotiable,” she stressed.
