The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a Prohibition Notice and directed the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company, ARAP.
ARAP Produces Fire Bricks, Refractory Bricks, Alumina Bricks, Magnesia Bricks, Silica Bricks, Mullite and Refractory Castable, etc, for Steel/Power industry
The directive for closure was issued by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, following a recent inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry at the company’s facility located at Kilometer 46, lkorodu-Sagamu Expressway, Ogijo, Ogun State.
A statement by Labour and Employment Ministry spokesperson, Annah Daniels, said the decision also followed a series of reports indicating hazardous working conditions at the facility, particularly concerning workers’ exposure to silica dust and the associated health risks.
The statement explained that the Ministry had also received reports of workers paternity; which are currently under review as part of an on-going investigation.
It notes that preliminary findings further indicate regulatory concerns, including issues relating to licence renewal and discrepancies between the company’s declared operations and its current production activities; in line with the provisions of the Factories Act, particularly Section 30 which governs the protection of workers exposed to harmful substances.
The Labour Minister of State noted that the action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks, while revealing that a joint inspection and investigative team has been constituted by the Ministry to determine the full extent of compliance with Occupational Safety Standards.
She reiterated the Ministry’s zero tolerance for violations of occupational Safety and Health laws, stressing that the safety and welfare of Nigerian workers remains non-negotiable.
Efforts by ait.live to reach the owner of the facility has not been successful.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
