Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Labour and Employment, has urged companies to enhance safety measures to protect employees. This call came after a meeting with the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) department and management of Inner Galaxy Steel Company Limited in Abia State, currently shut down due to safety violations.
The shutdown followed a fatal incident in May 2024, where a crane operator, Ocheze Vivian Munachim, fell to her death due to missing safety railings. Additionally, two other violent deaths occurred at the company.
Onyejeocha emphasized that companies must elevate safety standards to prevent future tragedies. She stated that Inner Galaxy Steel will remain closed until it meets all safety protocols, with operations resuming only after thorough investigation and verification.
The minister offered condolences to the victims’ families and stressed the importance of prioritizing worker safety, noting that no financial compensation can replace a lost life.
