The Ogun State Government has announced an immediate temporary ban on the exportation of lead ingot from the state following concerns over alleged lead poisoning in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, made this known during an inspection carried out in Ogijo after a trending video alleged widespread environmental contamination linked to used lead-acid battery recycling activities in the community.
Oresanya, who led a joint team of 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), also ordered the closure of seven industries involved in used lead-acid battery recycling within the Ogijo axis.
While reassuring residents of Ogun State, particularly those in Ogijo, the Commissioner said the government had commenced a comprehensive Health and Process Audit on the affected facilities.
According to him, the audit will include testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air and water bodies around the industrial corridor.
He further pledged that the government will publicly disclose the findings of the investigation and will “interrogate the process used for the previous test provided in the media report in circulation”.
Oresanya added that the state remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring strict adherence to environmental standards.
