The Ogun State government, through its Environmental Protection Agency, has taken decisive action by sealing off five industrial facilities for flouting state environmental regulations and endangering the health and well-being of the communities where they operate. This move comes after extensive reports of environmental violations, particularly concerning the discharge of untreated wastewater into surrounding areas, which posed a serious threat to public health and the environment. The crackdown is part of a larger effort by the state government to enforce environmental compliance and ensure sustainable industrial practices.
The companies affected by the closure include Nixim Paper Limited and Long Xiang Aluminum, both located along the Sagamu axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Additionally, New Shidai Manufacturing Limited, based in Mowe, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, and two other unregistered companies operating illegally in the Ogere axis of the same highway were also shut down. According to the Chairman of the Ogun State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, Farook Akintunde, who also serves as the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Environment, these companies have consistently ignored warnings from the state government regarding their harmful environmental practices.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, Akintunde explained that the closures were necessitated after the state Environmental Protection Agency received numerous petitions from local residents. These petitions detailed the ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment by the companies, leading to significant concerns over water pollution and the overall safety of the affected communities. After thorough investigations, the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed these allegations and promptly issued a “Stop Work Order” to halt production at the offending facilities until the necessary corrective measures were taken.
However, despite the issuance of this order, the companies in question continued to disregard the directives, opting instead to persist in their harmful practices. “Instead of them obeying the order, they ignored it and continued to degrade the environment with the discharge of harmful untreated wastewater into their immediate communities,” Akintunde lamented. This blatant disregard for state regulations and the safety of local residents left the government with no choice but to intervene by sealing the operations of the offending companies. The action was taken in the “overriding public interest” to prevent further environmental degradation and to compel the companies to cease their dangerous activities.
One of the key issues highlighted during the government’s inspection of the affected industries was the absence of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), which are crucial for treating wastewater before it is discharged into the environment. According to Akintunde, none of the companies had installed the required ETPs, despite the fact that these facilities are mandated by law to prevent the release of harmful substances into the water supply. “They don’t have Effluent Treatment Plants, which they must have installed to stop their incessant and harmful wastewater discharge,” he said. Without these treatment systems, the untreated wastewater posed a direct threat to water quality and public health in the surrounding communities.
In support of the government’s decision, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, the Special Adviser to the Governor on the State Environmental Protection Agency, emphasized the importance of adhering to wastewater management regulations. He noted that the closure of these companies was not only a response to their continued non-compliance but also a necessary step in preserving the state’s water resources and maintaining environmental quality standards. “The company will now be forced, after several warnings, to abide by wastewater regulations in the state, which are crucial towards the prevention of water pollution and maintaining water quality standards,” Dr. Kehinde stated.
Kehinde further stressed that the state government would not compromise on enforcing environmental regulations and would continue to demand the highest standards from industries operating within Ogun State. He referenced the “Ogun State Green Book,” a comprehensive guide that outlines the laws governing environmental practices in the state. According to him, the state Environmental Protection Agency will be strictly adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Green Book and will expect all industries to follow suit. “The state environmental protection agency will not compromise on this, as it will continue to demand from industries the best environmental standards in all they do, as enunciated in the Ogun State Green Book,” Kehinde reiterated.
The two unregistered companies that were also sealed during this operation face additional hurdles before they can resume their activities. According to the government, these companies must undergo proper registration with the state authorities and meet all other operational requirements before they are allowed to reopen. This, Kehinde explained, is part of the state’s broader efforts to ensure that all businesses operating in Ogun are fully compliant with both regulatory and operational standards. “For the two unregistered companies sealed along with the three others, they must do proper registration with the state government and fulfil other operational obligations before they can be allowed to operate in the state,” he concluded.
The Ogun State government’s actions serve as a clear message to industries across the region that environmental non-compliance will not be tolerated. As one of Nigeria’s most industrialized states, Ogun is home to a wide array of manufacturing and processing facilities, many of which contribute significantly to the state’s economy. However, the government’s recent crackdown underscores its commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. By enforcing stricter regulations and ensuring that industries adopt environmentally friendly practices, the state is working to safeguard the health of its residents and protect its natural resources for future generations.
In the wake of this enforcement action, the state government has reiterated its dedication to ensuring that all industries comply with the state’s environmental laws. Companies found to be in violation of these laws will face consequences, including closure, until they meet the necessary environmental standards. As Ogun State continues to grow and attract new investments, the government remains firm in its stance that industrial development must not come at the cost of environmental degradation or public health.
The closure of these five companies is just one example of the government’s broader environmental enforcement strategy, and residents of Ogun State can expect to see continued efforts to hold industries accountable for their environmental impact.
