The Ogun State Government has called for an immediate temporary suspension of lead ingot exports from the state following concerns over alleged lead contamination in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The announcement was made by the state Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, during an inspection tour of the community prompted by a viral video highlighting possible hazardous pollution.
Oresanya, accompanied by officials from the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), stated that seven industries involved in used lead-acid battery recycling in Ogijo have been shut down.
The commissioner assured residents of the government’s commitment to public safety, noting that a comprehensive health and process audit would be carried out on the affected facilities.
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“This will include testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and major water sources within and around the industrial town,” he said.
Oresanya added that the results of the tests would be made public and that the government would also review previous assessments and methodologies cited in media reports to ensure accurate evaluation of the contamination.
The suspension and audit form part of the state government’s urgent measures to safeguard residents and address potential environmental and health hazards linked to lead exposure.