Ogun State Takes Action on Alleged Lead Contamination
The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action by ordering the immediate temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation from the state. This urgent measure aims to address growing concerns over alleged lead poisoning in the Ogijo community, located within the Sagamu Local Government Area.
Government Inspection and Plant Closures
The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, during an inspection tour of Ogijo on November 28, 2025. The visit was prompted by a viral video that raised alarms about hazardous contamination in the area. Oresanya was accompanied by a team of experts from the State Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
Following the inspection, the commissioner confirmed that seven industries involved in used lead-acid battery recycling in Ogijo have been shut down. He stated that this shutdown was a necessary step to prevent further public exposure to potential hazards while comprehensive investigations are conducted.
Comprehensive Audit and Transparency Pledge
Reassuring residents, Oresanya emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding public health. He explained that a detailed health and process audit would be carried out on all the affected facilities. This wide-ranging assessment will involve testing for lead levels in several key areas:
- Humans in the community
- Soil and air quality within the industrial town
- Major water sources in and around Ogijo
The commissioner added that the government would also review the methodology and conclusions of previous assessments referenced in media reports. This review is intended to ensure total accuracy and transparency throughout the investigation process. Oresanya promised that the final results of all tests would be made public once they are completed, underscoring the administration's focus on protecting residents and preventing environmental hazards linked to local industrial operations.
