The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action against three environmental consultancy firms, suspending them for their role in the alleged lead pollution crisis linked to closed battery recycling plants in the Ogijo community.
Firms Found Culpable in Process Audit
In a significant move on 20 December 2025, the state administration led by Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the suspension of Vyne Nurt Limited, Core Environmental Services Limited, and Saag Chemicals Nigeria Limited. The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, made the declaration during a review meeting of the Process Audit for the closed Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling companies. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Environment's conference room in the State Secretariat, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.
Oresanya stated that the audit confirmed serious professional failures. The suspended firms, which were attached to the ULAB companies, did not ensure the installation of required pollution control devices. Furthermore, they failed to accurately report the true environmental status of these facilities to the state authorities.
A Deliberate Absence and Clear Negligence
The commissioner provided details on the review process. "Review of the firm’s reports on the companies during the audit process shows that their reports were deficient in reporting the correct situation to the state government," Oresanya said.
He explained that five consultancy firms involved were invited to defend their positions regarding gaps in their reporting. While two firms offered some explanations and were given a chance to improve, the three now-suspended companies deliberately avoided the meeting.
"The three suspended firms deliberately absented themselves from the review meeting, knowing fully well that they are complicit," Oresanya emphasized. This action left the government with no alternative but to impose the suspension.
Immediate Consequences and Broader Notifications
The suspension bars the three firms from providing any environmental consultancy services in Ogun State. This ban will remain until they can clear their names of the complicity allegations raised in the ULAB audit process.
In a step highlighting the seriousness of the matter, the Ogun State Government has formally notified the Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) about its decision. This ensures the regulatory breach is recorded at the national level.
The government's action underscores its commitment to holding all parties accountable in the Ogijo lead poisoning incident, aiming to prevent future environmental negligence and protect public health.
