By Abimbola Ologun
The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action by closing down four companies following incidents of industrial accidents and safety violations. Among the affected companies are Quantum Steel Industry, located in Ogijo, and Xinfeng Plastics Limited, situated along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, along with two others.
Farook Akintunde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and Chairman of the State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, emphasized that the closures are a necessary step to investigate the incidents thoroughly and prevent future occurrences.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the closure of Quantum Steel Industry follows a tragic industrial explosion that resulted in several fatalities, with some victims still receiving treatment in the hospital. Similarly, Xinfeng Plastics Limited was sealed following an electrical mishap that led to the electrocution of one of its machine operators, Ishaku Monday, while he was operating machinery at the facility.
Akintunde expressed his disappointment that despite regular government inspections and safety sensitization efforts, fatal accidents continue to occur. He reassured the public that the government is committed to conducting an exhaustive and credible investigation, which will include the engagement of external safety experts to determine the root causes of these incidents. He stressed that this measure is in the overriding public interest to ensure safety and prevent further harm.
The closures mark a firm stance by the Ogun State Government in holding companies accountable for safety violations and prioritizing the welfare of workers and the public.
