Ogun State Government has called for an immediate temporary ban on the exportation of lead ingot from the state.
This decision follows growing concerns over lead contamination in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The announcement came during an inspection led by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, accompanied by experts from the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
As part of the intervention, seven industries involved in used lead-acid battery recycling within the Ogijo community have been ordered to close.
The Commissioner assured residents that a comprehensive Health and Process Audit will be conducted, including testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and water bodies around the industrial area.
Oresanya added that the findings from the audit would be publicly disclosed, and the processes behind previous tests reported in the media would be scrutinized to ensure transparency and public safety.
The state government’s action aims to safeguard the health of residents and address environmental concerns while investigating the extent of lead contamination in Ogijo.
