Govt to declare emergency on factory safety
The Federal Government has said it plans to declare a state of emergency on occupational safety and health in factories nationwide, following alarming lapses observed during ongoing inspections in Ogun
- Chinyere Okoroafor
The Federal Government has said it plans to declare a state of emergency on occupational safety and health in factories nationwide, following alarming lapses observed during ongoing inspections in Ogun States.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, gave the indication yesterday during an inspection tour of industrial facilities, warning that firms flouting safety regulations would face stricter sanctions, including possible shutdowns and prosecution.
Onyejeocha visited key industrial establishments including African Refractory and Allied Products, African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited, Metalworld Recycling Limited, and Vedanta Metal Industries Limited, all located in the Ogijo industrial axis.
As part of enforcement actions, prohibition notices were pasted on the gates of three of the factories, African Refractory and Allied Products, African Non-Ferrous Industries Limited and Metalworld Recycling Limited, effectively halting operations.
The notice read: “Prohibition Notice. All processes under the Factories Act 2004 are prohibited in this premises with immediate effect by order of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Abuja.”
Addressing newsmen at one of the facilities, the minister stressed that no company has the liberty to alter its line of production without due approval from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
She explained that any change in business operations must follow laid-down procedures, including formal application and inspection by the factory inspectorate division to ascertain compliance with safety standards.
“You cannot wake up and change from one line of production to another without approval. The ministry is responsible for approval, monitoring and enforcement. There are conditions that must be met before such changes can be authorised,” she said.
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The minister expressed concern over what she described as attempts by some operators to bypass federal regulations, sometimes citing approvals from state agencies.
While acknowledging the role of state environmental protection bodies, Onyejeocha said their activities should complement, not compromise, federal oversight on occupational safety.
“There should be no conflict between federal and state authorities. We are meant to complement each other. But where standards are compromised, we will not accept it. If infractions are not identified at the state level and we find them, we will act,” she said.
She noted that some facilities had already been sealed for failing to comply with safety requirements, insisting that such enforcement actions would remain in place until operators meet prescribed standards.
“We closed some of these places to compel compliance. No authority can overturn that until they meet the safety standards approved for their operations. Safety must come first,” she said.
Onyejeocha lamented what she described as weak and outdated sanctions, noting that many companies treat penalties with levity.
According to her, the ministry is reviewing existing laws to ensure that punishments are commensurate with the gravity of offences, particularly where loss of lives is involved.
“When sanctions are not strong enough, offenders do not take them seriously. This must change. Lives are involved, and no country develops by neglecting the safety of its workforce,” she said.
She revealed that a new, stricter occupational safety bill is currently undergoing review at the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, with provisions to strengthen enforcement and penalties.
The minister warned that operators whose negligence leads to fatalities could face severe legal consequences.
“You cannot continue to endanger lives and expect to go scot-free. When people die due to your activities, there must be accountability,” she added.
Onyejeocha further dismissed claims that state governments could shield erring companies, insisting that no authority would support actions that endanger citizens.
The inspection exercise, which will continue in Lagos State, is part of the Federal Government’s renewed drive to enforce compliance with occupational safety and health standards across industries.
