The Ogun State Government has sealed indefinitely Quantum Steel Industry in Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government and Xinfeng Plastics Limited along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway following two industrial accidents that occurred at the factories.

The government in a statement made available to our correspondent on Thursday, said it had closed down the factories to enable it to investigate the cause of the incident.

Reacting to the shutdown, the Special Adviser to Ogun Governor on Environmental Protection Agency, who doubled as the Chairman of the State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Farook Akintunde, noted that the government decided to shut down the companies to avert future occurrences.

He stated, “As a government, we are determined to conduct credible and diligent investigations, including inviting external safety experts, to get to the root cause of these incidents in the overriding public interest and safety.

“What is even painful is that despite the state government’s regular visits to these companies just like others statewide to educate them on the need to adhere strictly to safety procedures, such incidents still occurred within their production lines that resulted in fatalities. So, the need to close them down.”

Akintunde added the two companies would be shut until investigations are concluded and safety measures are put in place while threatening to blacklist other erring companies.

The statement added that two other companies were closed down for violating safety standards and obstructing government officials carrying out lawful duties.

“The two companies will remain shut until investigations are concluded and new safety protocols entrenched in the two companies and warned other companies in the state to take safety of the workers especially those in the production lines paramount as the state government will not only close down any erring company with such occurrence but will also blacklist them.

“In the meantime, the Ogun State government has also closed down two other companies, Wemco Nigeria Limited at Magboro, for obstructing state officials from performing their official assignment of investigating an erosion dispute between them and their immediate community development.

“Beautiful Fibre was found guilty of exposing its workers to hazardous chemicals by not providing them with Personal Protective Equipment PPE despite several warnings by state government officials during routine visits to the company. The two companies are also to remain shut until they comply with government directives,” the statement concluded.

Earlier, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, stated that a machine blast that occurred at Quantum Steel on Wednesday left seven persons, including two expatriates injured.

According to Odutola, the impact of the injuries left the seven victims, identified as  Daniel Bala (Male, 28 years), Mutiu Olajide (Male, 39 years), Godwin Solomon (Male, 27 years), Maduabuchi Onwe (Male, 27 years), Ajun Kumar (Male, 37 years), an expatriate, Chandan Kumar (Male, 50 years), an expatriate, and Rakash Kumar (Male, 30 years), an expatriate, hospitalised.

She stated, “The Ogun State Police Command is currently investigating an industrial accident that occurred at Quantum Steels Nigeria Limited, located at KM 16, Ikorodu-Sagamu Road, Ogijo, which resulted in multiple injuries.

“On March 5, 2025, at about 1030 hours, the incident was formally reported at the Ogijo Division by Joseph Adewale, a staff member of the company. According to the report, on March 2, 2025, at approximately 1860 hours, a blast from one of the factory’s machinery led to serious injuries sustained by seven individuals, including both Nigerian and expatriate workers.

“All seven injured persons are currently receiving medical treatment at Rolayo Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos State, and are responding to treatment.”

Odutola noted that an investigation has commenced to determine the cause of the incident.

“Upon receiving the report, police detectives promptly visited the scene of the incident, conducted an initial assessment, interviewed relevant persons, and documented evidence, including photographs.”

Similarly, the state government confirmed the death of a machine operator, Ishaku Monday, in an electrocution incident that occurred at the Xinfeng Plastics Limited.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has shut down the infamous Cemetery Market in Aba, Abia State, for the second time in two years.

The agency said it uncovered and confiscated fake and substandard food and beverages worth over ₦5 billion in its latest operation tagged Operation Clean Up Aba.

Described as a hub for Africa’s largest counterfeit wine and beverage cartel, Cemetery Market has been notorious for producing fake alcoholic drinks, carbonated beverages, and food products.

NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, in a statement she signed on Tuesday, described the raid as “the most decisive action in the history of the market.”

“This is a major step toward safeguarding public health and curbing the circulation of fake products in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.

During the operation, over 240 makeshift factories were said to have been discovered, producing counterfeit products under unsanitary conditions.

Adeyeye revealed that these factories used harmful chemicals, contaminated water and recycled bottles to manufacture fake versions of popular brands, including Hennessy, Seaman Schnapps, Coca-Cola, Sprite, Peak Milk and Hollandia Yoghurt.

“These criminal elements use unhygienic sources of water, saccharin, colouring agents, and harmful chemicals unsuitable for human consumption. The adulteration of alcoholic beverages involves cheaper sugars and starches instead of fruits or grapes,” Adeyeye explained.

She added that over 1,500 cartons of fake products were destroyed on-site, with the total street value of the seized and destroyed goods estimated at ₦5 billion.

She said the operation also led to the discovery of three warehouses stockpiling expired Hollandia Yoghurt for revalidation on January 22.

NAFDAC commended the Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, for supporting the raid.

“The unwavering support of Governor Alex Otti, the Mayor of Aba South, and the interim market management committee has been critical to the success of Operation Clean Up Aba,” the Director-General said.

The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious products to the nearest NAFDAC office.

“We are determined to safeguard the health of the nation and rid markets of fake and substandard products,” Adeyeye assured all.