By George Omagbem
The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Kan Steel Holdings Nigeria Limited in Sagamu following the death of a worker, identified as Abdulfatai Nuru, in an operational accident.
The shutdown followed an inspection and preliminary investigation by safety officials from the state Ministry of Environment, who identified possible lapses in workplace safety at the facility.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Kafayat Lawal, said the company had been directed to suspend operations pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
She explained that the closure was a precautionary measure intended to protect workers and ensure that the facts surrounding the fatal accident were established.
Lawal expressed condolences to Nuru’s family and colleagues, assuring them that the government would investigate the incident thoroughly.
She added that appropriate regulatory sanctions would be imposed if the investigation established violations of workplace safety regulations.
The state government reiterated that employers have a responsibility to provide safe working conditions and comply with relevant industrial safety standards.
Lawal warned that negligence endangering workers’ lives would not be tolerated, stressing that industries must implement effective safety measures to prevent avoidable accidents.
The closure comes as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances that led to Nuru’s death. The government has not yet announced the final findings or specified when the company may be allowed to resume operations.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether further enforcement measures will be taken against the company.
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