By Helen Okechukwu, JKNewsMedia Reporter
ACKLING INCREASING cases of waste dumping, noise disturbances and safety violations across facilities triggered new enforcement steps announced by the Ogun State authorities.
These latest actions were outlined during the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council’s fourth quarterly meeting at the Obas’ Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, detailed measures the government has adopted to restore compliance and strengthen sanitation behaviour in communities.
The briefing centred on escalating concerns over road dumping, persistent noise infractions, and safety risks within gas plants.
According to Oresanya, the government has already shut multiple religious centres and other noise-producing facilities found to be operating above permitted limits.
He stated that residents are encouraged to report disturbances through the ministry’s officially designated helpline, 09010480056.
Oresanya described how the government is adjusting its enforcement pattern to address persistent refuse dumping along major roads.
He explained that residents caught depositing waste on roadways will be arrested, corrected with compassion, and assigned community service instead of receiving monetary fines.
He also stated that streets are not designated dump sites and noted that residents must place their refuse directly in front of their homes for Private Sector Participants (PSPs) to collect at their doorsteps adding that the shift away from fines aims to reduce financial strain on offenders while reinforcing personal responsibility for environmental upkeep.
Oresanya emphasised the approved role of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) in apprehending violators.
He said those arrested will sweep the road and gather refuse as part of their corrective sanction as the visibility of such community service will reinforce the consequences of environmental breaches and discourage repeat offences.
During the meeting, Oresanya stated that Governor Dapo Abiodun remains committed to improving environmental management systems across the state.
He also disclosed that the governor has approved the procurement of brand-new trucks to support OGWAMA and bolster operations within the private waste management sector, stressing that this investment is expected to enhance collection efficiency and improve service reach.
Oresanya reiterated that sanitation is not meant to be a once-a-month ritual. He stated that Section 6 of the Constitution empowers local government health officers to inspect homes, ensure that refuse bins are not overflowing, and prosecute households that fail to comply with sanitation guidelines.
According to him, this framework remains central to the state’s broader environmental objectives and will continue to guide enforcement at local levels.
He also addressed safety concerns within gas plants, stating that ministry consultants are inspecting facilities across the state, as he disclosed that any gas plant found to be operating below safety standards will be shut down.
He emphasised that the inspections aim to verify compliance levels and ensure operators maintain expected safety protocols.
Members of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council also used the session to highlight concerns and commend ongoing interventions.
One of them, Mrs. Iyabo Apampa praised the ministry’s recent actions in Ogijo and urged the commissioner to extend similar efforts to address air pollution and indiscriminate trailer parking around Ibese and Papalanto, areas hosting cement factories.
She said both issues continue to impact residents within those communities.
Another council member, Hon. Samuel Olubunmi Dada, called on sanitary officers in local government areas to strengthen their duties.
He also encouraged residents to prioritise cleanliness and adhere to proper waste disposal procedures as part of a shared commitment to environmental improvement.
Council Chairman, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, commended the state government’s work in agricultural development and waste management.
He described the 2026 Budget of Sustainable Legacy, presented earlier by Governor Abiodun, as a structured roadmap for a prosperous year, adding that the planned environmental initiatives align with broader efforts to sustain development across key sectors.
Oresanya further encouraged residents to use the ministry’s helpline to report individuals or groups failing to comply with environmental regulations, noting that the hotline remains active for all forms of environmental complaints, including noise infractions, improper waste disposal, and safety risks.
The meeting ended with Oresanya urging continuous public cooperation and adherence to the ministry’s environmental regulations, as he urged residents to use the provided helpline to report non-compliance as part of a statewide effort to maintain a cleaner and safer environment.
