The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of African Refractory and Allied Products Company (ARAP) in Ogun State over alleged unfriendly working conditions resulting from Silica dust that poses serious health risks to its workers.

Silica dust is primarily derived from cutting, grinding, or drilling materials, including stone, rock, and concrete, releasing smooth repairable (inhalable) Crystalline Silica (RCS) particles that cause severe, irreversible lung diseases, including silicosis, lung cancer, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), often taking years to develop.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, gave the directive after an inspection by the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment at the company’s facility along the Ikorodu–Sagamu Expressway in Ogijo, Ogun State.

The Federal Government, in a statement by the Ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Annah Daniel, said that the company was shut due to complaints received about the health of its workers, adding that a prohibition notice was served to such effects until the investigation is completed.

Daniel said that the complaints included unsafe working conditions at the facility, particularly the exposure of workers to silica dust, whose major health effects include irreversible, incurable scarring of the lung tissue that makes breathing difficult and high cancer risks.

He said that ongoing investigation revealed the firm’s non-compliance with issues relating to the renewal of its operational licence and discrepancies in business activities and the nature of its current production operations.

Daniel said that the issues identified during the inspection constitute violations of Nigeria’s Factories Act, particularly Section 30, which outlines safety requirements designed to protect workers exposed to harmful substances in industrial environments.

Onyejeocha said that the decision to halt operations was taken to safeguard workers while the investigation continues.

“The action has been taken in the interest of protecting workers and preventing further risks,” the minister said.

She noted that the ministry had constituted a joint inspection and investigative team to assess the company’s level of compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, adding that further directives would be issued after the investigative process is concluded.

The minister warned that authorities would not tolerate violations of workplace safety standards, stating that safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of Nigerian workers remain a priority for the Federal Government.