OGUN, Nigeria — The Ogun State Government has inaugurated a 15-member Joint Monitoring Committee to tackle environmental pollution and prevent lead poisoning in Ogijo and surrounding communities.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, during the formal inauguration of the committee. Members were strategically chosen based on their proximity to Used Lead Acid Batteries (ULAB) recycling facilities and their active engagement in recent community consultations.
Community-Led Oversight and Early Risk Detection
Oresanya explained that the committee will act as a bridge between the government and the community, providing localized oversight of ULAB operations, reporting environmental and health concerns, and promoting transparency in remediation and compliance.
“Environmental protection cannot be achieved through regulation alone; it requires community vigilance, shared responsibility, and mutual trust,” Oresanya said. He emphasized that ULAB operators must ensure their activities do not compromise human health or environmental integrity. Facilities failing to meet environmental and safety standards will not be permitted to operate.
Agency Support and Traditional Leadership Backing
Kehinde Bello, General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), pledged his agency’s support to ensure the committee’s success.
Traditional leadership also weighed in. Oba Kazim Gbadamosi, the Ologigo of Ogijo, urged ULAB operators to comply with safety standards and called on the committee members to diligently execute their mandate.
Jack Peniel, South-West Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), confirmed that the national agency would strictly enforce environmental regulations to restore a safe and healthy environment to Ogijo.
The committee’s work is part of a broader effort to ensure sustainable environmental practices while safeguarding public health in communities affected by industrial operations.
