SAFETY STANDARDS: Labour Minister Urges Nigerian Companies to step up.
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has urged companies operating in Nigerian to enhance their operational efficiency and safety protocols to safeguard the well-being and lives of their employees.
The minister made the call on Monday during a meeting with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) department of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and management of Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited, a scrap company operating in Abia State which is currently under lockdown.
The meeting was convened by the ministry to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited’s adherence to safety protocols and regulatory requirements, as mandated by the Ministry of Labour, following the unfortunate incident that led to the temporary shutdown of the facility by the government.
Recall that, in May 2024, Ocheze Vivian Munachim, a crane operator, fell to her death due to the absence of a handrail while working irregular hours. Furthermore, a staff member was fatally shot, and another was stabbed to death by a colleague within the company premises.
Speaking during the meeting that lasted for almost two hours, the minister urged companies operating in Nigeria to “elevate their operational and safety standards to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future”.
Although the company said it has compensated and provided supports to families of the victims and was taking responsibility for the medical bills of the gun shot victim, the Minister insisted that the Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited remains closed “until it fully satisfies all requisite safety standards and protocols.”
She maintained that the factory’s operations will only be permitted to resume upon the completion of the ongoing investigation, “provided that conclusive evidence is presented demonstrating comprehensive compliance with safety regulations. Only upon fulfillment of these conditions will the factory be allowed to recommence operations, subject to verification and validation by the relevant authorities.
“As the regulatory body responsible for mediating between employers and employees, our primary objective is to ensure strict adherence to the nation’s labour laws and safeguard the well-being of workers. We will not compromise on our commitment to enforcing these laws and protecting the lives of employees.
She noted that no amount of “financial compensation can adequately replace the value of a human life lost due to negligence or complicity. The tragic loss of life in this incident is deeply regrettable.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and pray that God grants them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. To the factory management, I urge you to undertake a thorough review of your operations, prioritise safety, and foster a culture of responsibility to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.”
(FMOL Press)
