Ogun Goes Tough On Environmental Violations, Shut Down Five Industries

The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has sealed five industries for environmental violations. 

The affected companies include Nixim Paper Limited and Long Xiang Aluminum, both located in the Sagamu area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, New Shidai Manufacturing Limited in Mowe within the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, and two unregistered entities operating illegally in the Ogere section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to a statement released on Sunday, Farook Akintunde, Chairman of the Ogun State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, led the enforcement team.

He stated that the companies were shut down following complaints from local communities about their repeated discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment.

Akintunde noted that OGEPA had issued a Stop Work Order requiring the companies to halt production and rectify the environmental violations.

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Despite this directive, the companies continued their activities, exacerbating environmental damage with untreated wastewater.

Consequently, the state government was compelled to shut them down in the public interest, particularly as it was discovered that they lacked the requisite Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) necessary to mitigate harmful wastewater discharge.

Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, Special Adviser to the Governor on OGEPA, emphasized that the companies, having received multiple warnings, are now mandated to comply with state wastewater regulations.

This enforcement is crucial for preventing water pollution and maintaining water quality standards.

Kehinde stressed that OGEPA remains resolute in its commitment to enforcing stringent environmental standards as outlined in the Ogun State Green Book, which details the regulations governing environmental practices in the state.

Regarding the two unregistered companies, Kehinde stated that they must complete proper registration with the state government and meet all operational requirements before resuming their activities.

Meanwhile, Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has advised the people of the state against voting for an illiterate as their next governor.

Ighodalo made this statement while addressing a crowd at the Olua Primary School Field in Uselu, Egor Local Government Area, during a PDP campaign rally.