By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company in Ogun State after issuing a Prohibition Notice.
A statement by Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of state for labour and employment, stated that the decision followed an inspection, which revealed hazardous working conditions, particularly workers’ exposure to silica dust that poses serious health risks.
The Ministry also identified regulatory concerns, including licence renewal issues and discrepancies in the company’s operations, contrary to provisions of the Factories Act. The facility will remain shut while a joint team investigates compliance with occupational safety standards.
