Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, has demonstrated a firm commitment to upholding labor laws and ensuring workplace safety across Nigeria. In a recent high-profile meeting, she met with the management of Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited, led by Deputy General Manager George Chin, along with officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Department of the Ministry of Labour and Employment. The focus of the meeting was the company’s compliance with safety regulations following a series of tragic incidents that occurred in May 2024.
The company’s operations were halted after two fatal accidents took place on May 20 and 21, 2024. In one incident, Miss Vivian Ocheze Munachim, a crane operator, lost her life, while another worker was fatally stabbed by a colleague. A third worker is still receiving medical treatment after sustaining gunshot injuries during the same period. In light of these tragedies, the Ministry acted swiftly, temporarily closing down the facility to investigate the causes and enforce safety regulations.
Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the Ministry’s unwavering stance on workplace safety. She emphasized that the tragic events underline the necessity for companies to strictly adhere to labor laws and safety standards to protect their workers.
Onyejeocha made it clear that Inner Galaxy Steel Company would remain closed until all the necessary investigations are completed and the company demonstrates full compliance with Nigeria’s labor laws. Only after a thorough evaluation of the company’s safety measures by the relevant authorities will the company be allowed to resume operations. The Ministry of Labour and Employment, under her leadership, is resolute in ensuring that such incidents do not reoccur, reinforcing the government’s zero tolerance for workplace hazards and negligence.
This incident serves as a reminder that the Ministry’s role extends beyond policy implementation—it is a regulatory body that ensures that employees’ lives and welfare are not compromised. Minister Onyejeocha is a vocal advocate for workers’ rights and has consistently reinforced the importance of providing a safe working environment. Her actions reflect her dedication to preventing avoidable workplace fatalities and fostering a culture of safety and compliance across Nigeria.
Under her leadership, the Ministry remains proactive in its efforts to maintain stringent oversight of companies and enforce labor laws. Her meeting with Inner Galaxy Steel Company marks a critical step in ensuring that the necessary reforms are implemented, sending a clear message to industries across Nigeria that the safety and well-being of workers must always be prioritized.
With Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha at the helm of the Ministry of State for Labour and Employment, Nigerians can expect a heightened focus on workplace safety and the strict enforcement of labor regulations that protect the country’s workforce.
