The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has shut down two Chinese companies, Yibao Industrial Limited and Ronchang Industrial Park, for environmental pollution.
The closure followed repeated warnings and inspections.
Yibao Industrial Limited is located in Bara Village along the Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway and Ronchang Industrial Park is situated opposite Julius Berger yard on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
A government official said the firms were found to be operating in violation of Ogun State’s waste management laws.
Abayomi Hunye, the Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, led the enforcement team that carried out the shutdown.
He explained that the decision came after the companies ignored several warnings about their waste management practices.
Hunye stated that the companies were not only failing to maintain clean environments but were also using unaccredited waste collectors.
These collectors, who operate outside official channels, were found to be dumping waste illegally on major expressways, including the Sagamu-Abeokuta and Lagos-Ibadan routes.
“The essence of shutting them down is to ensure that they comply with the standard ways of managing waste in the state,” Hunye said. “We have served them several notices and warnings, but they refused to comply.”
Hunye highlighted that OGWAMA had conducted multiple inspections and counseled the companies to clean up their premises and engage government-approved waste collectors. Despite these efforts, the companies did not make the necessary changes.
The unaccredited waste collectors were found to operate at odd hours and were involved in illegal dumping. This practice not only contributes to the unsanitary conditions at the companies’ premises but also poses risks to public health.
Experts sayd the untreated waste could lead to unpleasant odors and potential contamination of underground water sources.
Hunye emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “Their premises are dirty, exposing residents of the state to unnecessary odor and possible underground water infections from their untreated waste.”
Hunye expressed frustration over the behavior of these foreign-owned companies, stating that their disregard for environmental standards shows a “gross disrespect” for local regulations.
“The state government will not sit back and watch these firms damage the environment,” Hunye warned. “Their conduct is not tolerated in their home country, and it will not be tolerated here.”
Hunye also issued a warning to other companies operating in Ogun State. He stressed the importance of adhering to the state’s waste management laws. “Any company that engages in similar conduct should expect to face sanctions,” he said.
To support OGWAMA’s efforts, Hunye called on the Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to act as whistle-blowers. He encouraged these groups to report companies involved in improper waste management to help improve the quality of life for residents.
“I urge the CDAs and NGOs to complement our efforts by helping to identify and report companies that are not complying with waste management regulations,” Hunye added. “Together, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.”
