Ogun State Seals 2 Chinese Firms Over Poor Waste Disposal
He warned other companies operating in Ogun State, whether owned by Nigerians or foreigners, to adhere strictly to the state’s waste management laws or face similar sanctions.
Abeokuta, Nigeria – The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has taken decisive action against two Chinese companies, Yibao Industrial Limited and Ronchang Industrial Park, for failing to adhere to proper waste disposal practices.
The companies, located along the Sagamu-Abeokuta expressway and Lagos-Ibadan expressway respectively, were sealed by the authority due to their persistent disregard for waste management laws.
According to OGWAMA, both companies were operating in unsanitary conditions and had been repeatedly warned to clean their environments.
Despite these warnings, they continued to engage unaccredited waste collectors, contravening Section 17 of the Ogun State Waste Management Law of 2020. The companies’ actions not only violated the law but also posed significant environmental and health risks to the surrounding communities.
Hon. Abayomi Hunye, Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, led the enforcement team that sealed the companies. He explained that the authority had no choice but to shut down the facilities after multiple warnings and inspections failed to prompt compliance.
“The essence of shutting down the companies was to ensure that they comply with the standard ways of managing waste in the state,” Hunye stated. “We have served them several notices and warnings, and they refused to comply. Their premises are dirty, exposing residents to unnecessary odour and potential underground water contamination from untreated waste.”
Hunye further emphasized that the decision to seal the companies was in the public interest, noting that their actions demonstrated gross disrespect for the law and the environment.
He warned other companies operating in Ogun State, whether owned by Nigerians or foreigners, to adhere strictly to the state’s waste management laws or face similar sanctions.
“Proper waste management is key in Ogun State to continually promote healthier and safer living conditions for our people. We will not compromise on this,” Hunye added.
He also called on Community Development Associations (CDAs) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to support OGWAMA’s efforts by acting as whistleblowers, helping to identify companies that fail to manage their waste properly.
