By JKNewsMedia Reporter
URGENT ENVIRONMENTAL concerns have prompted the Ogun State Government to order an immediate temporary suspension of lead ingot exports from Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, announced the action during an inspection tour triggered by a viral video alleging hazardous contamination in the community.
Oresanya, accompanied by experts from the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), revealed that seven industries involved in used lead-acid battery recycling within Ogijo have been shut down.
“Government remains committed to the safety of residents,” Oresanya said. He then outlined plans for a comprehensive health and process audit on the affected facilities, including testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and major water sources within and surrounding the industrial town.
The commissioner noted that all results from these tests will be made public. Additionally, the review will cover the methodology and outcomes of previous assessments cited in media reports, he said.
Authorities highlighted that the temporary suspension aims to prevent potential exposure to lead, which can pose serious health risks if safety protocols are not strictly followed. Oresanya confirmed that the audit will evaluate both operational processes and environmental impact to ensure compliance with existing safety standards.
Experts from the accompanying teams will conduct soil sampling across residential and industrial zones, while water quality tests will focus on primary sources used for drinking and local agriculture.
Air monitoring stations will measure particulate lead concentrations in real time to assess immediate exposure risks to the community.
The shutdown of the seven battery recycling facilities follows widespread public concern after the circulation of the viral video, which reportedly showed unsafe handling and processing of lead materials.
Oresanya also described the closure as a precautionary measure pending completion of detailed environmental and health evaluations.
He added that the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency will coordinate laboratory analyses in collaboration with NESREA. The agencies confirmed that both current and historical data on lead contamination in Ogijo will be re-examined to ensure accuracy and transparency in reporting.
Community leaders and residents attended portions of the inspection, where the government reassured them of its commitment to fully investigate the contamination claims. Residents were advised to avoid areas near the industrial plants until the environmental assessments are concluded.
Oresanya also emphasised that the audit will not only measure contamination levels but also verify adherence to health and safety regulations by industrial operators.
He said findings will determine further regulatory action, including potential remediation measures or permanent closure of facilities if non-compliance is confirmed.
Officials also confirmed that the temporary export suspension covers all lead ingots produced within the affected facilities, with strict enforcement by regulatory authorities until the health audit and environmental assessments are completed.
“The review process will also include evaluation of past reports and testing data to identify any discrepancies or gaps,” Oresanya stated.
He added that ensuring public access to the audit results is a priority to maintain trust and accountability.
This move aligns with broader state objectives to monitor industrial operations for environmental compliance and public health protection, according to the Ministry of Environment. Oresanya reiterated that no lead ingot exports would resume until authorities are satisfied that both operational processes and environmental conditions meet established safety standards.
Ongoing monitoring will include continuous engagement with local residents, with updates provided as testing progresses. Officials confirmed that the health audit will prioritise vulnerable groups, including children, who are most at risk from lead exposure.
The combined efforts of state and federal environmental agencies aim to provide a clear picture of contamination levels, while preventing further industrial pollution until remediation measures are fully determined.
By ordering an immediate suspension and shutting down seven facilities, Ogun State has positioned regulatory oversight at the forefront of environmental health management in Ogijo, ensuring that all operations are carefully examined before resumption.
The government has committed to maintaining open communication with residents and the public, providing regular updates on audit results, testing procedures, and enforcement measures until the issue is resolved.
