“Residents are assured of government’s commitment to their safety. A comprehensive health and process audit will be conducted on the affected facilities. This will include testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and major water sources within and around the industrial town”
By Nudoiba Ojen
As part of urgent measures to address concerns over alleged lead poisoning in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, the Ogun State Government has called for an immediate temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation from the state.
The state government disclosed that seven industries engaged in used lead-acid battery recycling in the community had been shut down.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, made the announcement during an inspection tour in Ogijo following a viral video alleging hazardous contamination in the area.
Oresanya, who was 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), disclosed that seven industries engaged in used lead-acid battery recycling in the community have been shut down.
Oresanya reassured residents of government’s commitment to their safety, stating that a comprehensive health and process audit would be conducted on the affected facilities.
The audit, he said, would include testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and major water sources within and around the industrial town.
The commissioner added that the results of the tests would be made public, while also reviewing the methodology and outcomes of previous assessments cited in media reports.
