A worker at Kan Steel Holdings Nigeria Limited in Sagamu, Ogun State, identified as Abdulfatai Nuru, has died following an industrial accident at the facility.
In response to the incident, the Ogun State government has ordered the immediate closure of the factory.
According to report, the government issued a Stop-Work Order against the steel company after safety officers inspected the facility and identified potential workplace safety violations.
In a statement on Tuesday, Kafayat Lawal, permanent secretary of the state Ministry of Environment, said the closure was a precautionary step pending a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nuru’s death.
“Preliminary findings have indicated potential lapses in workplace safety within the facility. However, a comprehensive investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances that led to the death of the worker,” Lawal said.
“As a precautionary measure, the state government through the Ministry of Environment has therefore directed the facility to stop operation with immediate effect pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation and further directives.”
Lawal, who commiserated with the family and colleagues of the deceased, warned that the government would not tolerate negligence that puts workers’ lives at risk.
She said the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate regulatory sanctions applied, reiterating that workers’ lives are non-negotiable.
“Industries are reminded of their obligations to implement effective safety measures and ensure strict compliance with applicable regulations so as to prevent avoidable workplace incidents,” she added.
