The Ogun State Government has shut down African Refractory and Allied Products Limited in Ogijo following a viral video in which a former employee alleged that he contracted silicosis while working at the company.
The firm, a ramming production company that crushes quartz stones into fine powder used for lining furnaces in steel companies, was sealed pending the outcome of investigations into the allegations.
In the viral video, Bartholomew Aniemeka alleged that he developed silicosis, a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, during his employment before leaving the company in June 2025. His family also claimed that the illness was initially misdiagnosed as tuberculosis due to lack of appropriate diagnostic equipment.
While visiting the facility on a fact-finding mission alongside officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Environment and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said the company would remain shut pending the conclusion of investigations.
According to a statement issued by Oresanya on his official X handle on Sunday, the facility “will remain shut until investigations over the allegations are carried out.”
The statement added that the government “is on top of the situation,” assuring the public that necessary steps were being taken to address the matter.
It further disclosed that the victim, who is currently receiving treatment at TopMed Hospital in Ogijo, is in stable condition and has been assured of proper medical care. The statement noted that “series of tests have been scheduled to ascertain his true state of health,” adding that the state government “will do everything possible to bring the issue to a logical conclusion.”
In the viral livestream, the victim’s sister alleged that several of his former colleagues had died and accused the company of failing to address safety concerns. She appealed for financial assistance to support his treatment.
The state government said investigations were ongoing.
