FG closes Chinese firm in Abuja

Soji-Eze Fagbemi, Abuja- 14.02.2008

The Federal Government has closed down the Oceanic Bakeries, a Chinese firm operating on Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent , Wuse 2, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja for operating contrary to the provisions of Nigeria laws and the extant labour laws.

The order for the closure of the firm was given by the Minister of Labour, Dr. Hassan Lawal, even as the Federal Government vowed to sanction any factory that did not operate within the provisions of the law and ensure their registration under the Nigerian Factories Act, 126 of 1990.

The order for the closure of the Chinese firm was contained in a letter written by Dr. Lawal to the Inspectorate Department of the Labour Ministry. The Minister ordered the immediate prohibition of all processes on the premises, until the occupiers obtained certification under the Factories Act 1990.

Director in the Inspectorate Department of the Ministry, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwankwo, whose duty is to carry out the order, said it was unacceptable for any factory to operate without taking into consideration the provisions of the law of the land.