In a decisive move to prioritize worker safety, the Minister of Labour and Employment for the State, Nkiru Onyejiosha, issued a shutdown order on Friday for the Metal Manufacturing Company located in Sagamu Local Government. The company, situated at Gbara near Sotubo, is known for manufacturing batteries but has come under scrutiny for neglecting to provide essential protective gear for its workforce, thereby exposing them to significant health hazards.
Despite repeated warnings, the company failed to comply with safety regulations, prompting Minister Onyejiosha to intervene. She expressed her concern, stating, “After being informed of the conditions at this company, I instructed my staff to enforce the necessary measures as the law dictates. Dealing with lead, which is known to be harmful, requires utmost precaution.”
The Minister recounted her efforts to compel the company to prioritize the well-being of its workers, emphasizing the need for proper safety measures. Disappointed by the company’s lack of initiative, she personally visited the facility in Gbara, coming from Abuja to assess the situation.
Onyejiosha was appalled by the conditions at the factory, stating, “What I have seen here is worse than what was described to me. It is awful and unacceptable. I have never seen this level of irresponsibility from any manufacturer. I have pronounced that the company is prohibited until the management is ready to adhere to the laws of our land.”
The Director of Occupational Safety and Health Department at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs. Lauretta Adogwu, along with ministry staff, took further action by pasting a prohibition notice on the company’s premises. Workers were subsequently urged to vacate the premises for their safety.
The shutdown serves as a stern reminder of the importance of prioritizing employee well-being and complying with safety regulations in the manufacturing sector. The Ministry of Labour and Employment remains committed to enforcing standards that safeguard the health and safety of workers across the nation.
