The Ogun State government has recently closed down three industries and two unregistered companies for environmental infractions and operating illegally in the Ogere area along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The affected companies include Nixim Paper Limited and Long Xiang Aluminum, both situated in the Sagamu axis of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, and New Shidai Manufacturing Limited in the Mowe area of Obafemi Owode Local Government Area.
This action follows closely on the heels of a similar crackdown by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), which recently sealed two Chinese-owned companies—Yibao Industrial Limited and Ronchang Industrial Park—operating in unclean environments and improperly disposing of waste.
Farook Akintunde, Chairman of the Ogun State Taskforce on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, led the enforcement operation and explained that the latest closures resulted from repeated violations. He noted that the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) had received multiple complaints from nearby communities about the release of untreated wastewater by these companies. Despite being issued a Stop Work Order, the companies continued their harmful practices, prompting the government to intervene.
Akintunde, who also serves as the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, stated, “These companies ignored direct orders to halt production and correct their environmental violations. They continued to discharge untreated wastewater into the surrounding communities, which posed a significant threat to the environment.”
Oluwadare Kehinde, Special Adviser to the Governor on OGEPA, added that the companies would now be required to comply with strict state regulations on wastewater management. This includes the installation of Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), which are crucial for preventing water pollution and maintaining water quality standards.
Kehinde emphasized, “OGEPA will not compromise on environmental standards. All companies must adhere to the guidelines set out in the Ogun State Green Book, which outlines the laws governing environmental practices in the state.”
Additionally, the two unregistered companies are mandated to complete their registration with the state government and meet all necessary operational obligations before resuming activities. The Ogun State government remains firm in its commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring that industries operate in accordance with environmental laws.
