The Oyo State Government has intensified enforcement of environmental laws across the Ibadan metropolis, leading to the arrest and prosecution of 19 illegal scavengers, alongside the sealing of a food processing facility found to be violating environmental standards.
The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources following the commencement of a 24 hour surveillance operation aimed at curbing illegal scavenging activities and safeguarding public infrastructure, safety and environmental sustainability.
Speaking during an interview in his office, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said the action was targeted at regulating the activities of metal scavengers, popularly known as “BOLA,” whose operations, according to him, have contributed to infrastructure vandalism, insecurity and environmental degradation in parts of the state.
He stated that the Ministry has a statutory responsibility to keep Oyo State clean and free from activities that pose threats to public health and the environment, stressing that open scavenging remains prohibited under the state’s environmental laws.
Hon. Aderinto assured that the government would not relent in its resolve to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders in line with existing regulations, adding that violators are liable to penalties including fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, community service and possible jail terms, depending on the severity of the offence.
According to the Commissioner, 19 illegal scavengers apprehended within the Ibadan metropolis have already been prosecuted and fined based on their respective offences. He called on residents to cooperate with enforcement officers and refrain from obstructing them in the discharge of their lawful duties.
In a related development, the Commissioner disclosed that the Ministry sealed a food processing facility located within a residential area at Wofun, Ibadan, after investigations revealed that its boiler was emitting excessive carbon soot into the environment, thereby contributing to air pollution and posing health risks to residents.
He explained that the level of emissions from the facility was in clear contravention of established environmental standards and guidelines, prompting the Ministry to order its immediate closure to prevent further environmental degradation.
The management of the facility has been directed to carry out corrective measures, including a technical assessment of the boiler, necessary repairs or upgrades to eliminate harmful emissions and the development of an effective mitigation plan. The facility is also required to submit regular progress reports, while routine inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
Hon. Aderinto said the facility would only be reopened after full compliance has been verified by the Ministry’s compliance monitoring team and all unsealing procedures duly followed.
He reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s commitment to environmental protection, public health and the preservation of public assets, warning that individuals and businesses operating within the state must strictly adhere to environmental laws and regulations.
