By Adejoke Adeleye
The Ogun State government has shut down four industries over worker safety concerns.
The companies are Quantum Steel Industry in Ogijo, Xinfeng Plastics Limited along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Wemco Nigeria Limited in Magboro, and Beautiful Fibre in Ogere.
Quantum Steel Industry was sealed following an industrial explosion that resulted in fatalities, with several victims still hospitalised.
Similarly, Xinfeng Plastics Limited was shut down after a machine operator, identified as Ishaku Monday, lost his life due to electrocution.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and Chairman of the State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Alhaji Farook Akintunde, stated that the shutdown was necessary to investigate the causes of the incidents and prevent future occurrences.
“As a government, we are committed to conducting credible investigations, including engaging external safety experts, to determine the root causes of these incidents in the interest of public safety,” Akintunde said.
He expressed disappointment that despite regular government inspections and safety awareness initiatives, such fatal incidents still occurred.
He warned that the affected companies would remain closed until investigations are concluded and new safety measures are put in place.
In addition to the two closures, Wemco Nigeria Limited in Magboro was shut down for obstructing state officials from investigating an erosion dispute with its host community, while Beautiful Fibre in Ogere was penalised for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals without providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), despite repeated warnings.
The Ogun State government has warned that it will not hesitate to close down and blacklist any company found violating worker safety regulations.
