Ogun Government Warns Erring Industries On Environmental Laws

By Biodun Jimoh

Any industries operating in Ogun State and failed to conduct their businesses in line with the state’s extant laws will risk sanctions.

The Ogun State government handed down the warning while presiding over a peace meeting arising from a protest by Orimerunmu Community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government against Yoyo Resources Recycling Nigeria Limited that operates in their area.

According to the protest letter from the community, the Chinese company’s production lines emit hazardous carbon emission which polluted the environment thereby posing health challenges to their wellbeing.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Engr. Olabode Ojetola confirmed that carbon emission from the Chinese company which arise from use of oil sludge to fire its furnace had caused havoc on the residents and their property.

This was after listening to the two parties coupled with scientific verification from the officials of the ministry of environment.

Moreover, Ojetola ordered the company to upgrade its production lines to meet all extant environmental laws of the state in the next four months or face sanctions and possible closure.

Furthermore, he said that the timeline was necessary to allow the company eliminate carbon emission from its present production lines which pollute the community’s environment with all its hazardous health implications.

Ojetola added that the decision of the state government on the protest will serve as deterrent to other industries that violate the state environmental laws and overlook the health and safety of their host communities.

He however said the state government will not fail to applaud industries that comply with all its extant environmental laws and reiterated government desire to open its doors to law-abiding industries to flourish so as to justify its position as the nation’s industrial destination of choice.

Responding, Adetayo Johnson who represented the community thanked the state government for its prompt response to the protest which confirmed it as people-centred while Mr Leo Li from the company pledged his company’s readiness to abide by the state government directive.