The Ogun Government in conjunction with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has shut seven battery recycling factories in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area (LGA) of the state over lead emissions among other unsafe practices.

NESREA said the sealing of the factories followed the failure of the operators to comply with the provisions of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024.

“Under the protocol, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner, and to also prioritize staff health and safety, including conducting annual blood lead testing and providing Personal Protective Equipment,” the agency said in a statement on its website.

“The recyclers, as part of their duty to the host community and environmental responsibility, are required to conduct annual environmental impact audits on surrounding communities, transition to cleaner recycling technologies, and participate in pilot projects for slag reuse for bricks and cement raw materials.”

According to the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, the move became imperative to safeguard the health of the populace.

Oresanya said the government takes proactive steps in mitigating the effects of the emissions.

He assured residents that no cause for alarm, the commissioner. Oresanya asked factories operating in that axis of the state to adopt best international practices in their operations

The state has also advocated for temporary ban on exportation of Lead Ingot from the state with immediate effect.

Oresanya, who led a team of experts from the Ministries of Environment, Health, Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) in conjunction with the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to the community, said the government will conduct a health and process audit of the industries and test for the level of lead in human, soil, air and water bodies around the industrial town.

The commissioner promised to make public disclosure of the test findings while interrogating the process used for the previous test provided in the media report in circulation. (Channels TV)