Ogun State government has taken a bold step in protecting the environment by sealing five industries due to alleged environmental infractions.
These companies, including – Nixim Paper Limited, Long Xiang Aluminum, New Shidai Manufacturing Limited, Two unregistered companies operating illegally in the Ogere axis of Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Long Xiang Aluminum, were shut down after receiving petitions from their surrounding communities about the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment.
Mr Rotimi Odiniyi, the OGEPA Information Officer, in a statement, said Alhaji Farouk Akintunde, Chairman, Ogun State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, led the enforcement team.
The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) confirmed the accusations and initially issued a Stop-Work order, but the companies ignored it and continued harming the environment.
Further investigation revealed that these companies lacked Effluent Treatment Plants (ETP), a necessary measure to prevent harmful wastewater discharge.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on OGEPA, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde, was also quoted as saying the companies would be forced to abide by wastewater regulations in the state.
“This was crucial in preventing water pollution and maintaining water quality standards.
“The agency will not compromise on quality, as it will continue to demand best environmental practices from industries in the state.
“We will have to demand they stick to the best practices as enunciated in the Ogun State Green Book which contains the laws guiding environmental practices in the state.
“For the two unregistered companies sealed, they must do proper registration with the state government and fulfill other operational obligations before they can be allowed to operate in the state,” he added.
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