The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has sealed two Chinese companies for operating in unhygienic conditions and improper waste disposal practices. The companies affected are Yibao Industrial Limited, located in Bara Village along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, and Ronchang Industrial Park, opposite Julius Berger yard on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Abayomi Hunye, the Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, led the enforcement team that took action against the companies following multiple warnings that were ignored. He explained that both companies were found guilty of using unaccredited waste collectors, which is a violation of section 17 of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority Law of 2020. These companies had also prevented the assigned waste collectors from evacuating their waste since 2021.
Hunye emphasized that the unaccredited waste collectors employed by these companies were operating illegally, often dumping waste on the Sagamu-Abeokuta and Lagos-Ibadan Expressways. He stated, “The essence of shutting them down is to ensure that they comply with the standard ways of managing waste in the state. Despite several notices and inspections, they refused to comply.”
The decision to shut down the companies was made to protect the public from the potential health hazards posed by the untreated waste, which could lead to unpleasant odors and underground water contamination. Hunye also highlighted that such practices, particularly by foreign-owned companies, demonstrate a gross disrespect for constituted authority.
Hunye warned other companies in the state to adhere to waste management laws or face similar sanctions. He also called on Community Development Associations (CDA) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to act as whistle-blowers, assisting OGWAMA in identifying and bringing to justice more companies engaging in improper waste management to enhance the quality of life for residents of Ogun State.
