Onyejeocha sealed the factory on Wednesday while conducting Occupational Safety and Health Inspections.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the factories are African Refractory and Allied Products, African Non-Ferrous Industries Ltd., and Metal world Recycling Ltd., Ogijo.
Vedanta Metal Industries Ltd. on the other hand was asked to ensure proper house keeping.
She said the factories would no longer be allowed to deceive the public, noting that their activities had been linked to several deaths.
“We have given them notice in writing as far back as Dec. 9 2025, on clear violation of required safety standard, mandatory hazard training and provision of Personal Protective Equipment.
“All the factories didn’t comply, no response to the notice and nothing was done.
“The truth of the matter is that they don’t care about people’s lives; people are dying on daily basis and the numbers are increasingly unaccounted for,” the minister said.
She noted that only people who raised their voices were heard, adding that many had been victims of these incidents.
Onyejeocha said that all the sealed factories would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the Acts, as they had been duly notified.
According to her, the staff of the ministry have been to the factories to caution them on safety hazards.
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She said that any factory intending to change its products must apply and follow due procedures to obtain approval before proceeding.
According to the minister, factories must meet specific requirements and obtain certification before changing products or undertaking upgrades.
She said that while both life and wealth are important, the nation cannot continue to lose its citizens due to inappropriate factory activities.
The Federal Government has signaled plans to declare a state of emergency on occupational safety and health in factories nationwide, following alarming lapses observed during ongoing inspections in Ogun State.
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 Labor and Employment.
She explained that any change in business operations must follow laid-down procedures, including a 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. Some conditions must be met before such changes can be authorized,” she said.
The minister expressed concern over what she described as attempts by some operators to bypass federal regulations, sometimes citing approvals from state agencies.
NAN
