Ogun seeks halt of lead ingot exports, shuts seven recycling plants

Ogun State Government has requested a temporary halt on lead ingot exports while a thorough investigation into suspected lead contamination in the Ogijo area of Sagamu Local Government is conducted.

This move followed an inspection in Ogijo prompted by a viral video that raised alarms about potential lead poisoning in the area. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, led a team of experts from the Ministries of Environment and Health, along with representatives from the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

During the visit, the government ordered the closure of seven recycling plants that process Used Lead-Acid Batteries located in the Ogijo region.

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Oresanya reassured the community that there is no need for alarm, stating that the state will promptly initiate a thorough Health and Process Audit at the affected facilities. This audit will include tests for lead levels in people, soil, air, and water in the industrial area.

He also stated that the government would publicly share the investigation’s results once completed and will assess the methods used in the earlier tests reported in the media.