The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has taken a firm stance against industrial pollution in Ikorodu, issuing a strict three-day compliance ultimatum to several iron and steel companies. The agency's action comes after an enforcement exercise uncovered severe and persistent environmental violations in the Odogunyan industrial corridor.
Widespread Non-Compliance and Named Offenders
Following extensive monitoring, LASEPA discovered that multiple firms were operating without the necessary safeguards to protect the environment and public health. The companies were found to lack effective air pollution control measures, had failed to install effluent treatment plants, and neglected to build mandatory buffer walls around their scrap metal yards. Despite previous warnings, these directives were ignored.
The agency has publicly identified the six companies involved in this enforcement action. They are:
- Top Steel Nigeria Limited
- Germini Steel Nigeria Limited
- Pulkit Alloy Nigeria Limited
- LandCraft Steel Nigeria Limited
- African Steel Nigeria Limited
- SunFlag Steel Nigeria Limited
All six firms have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), committing to full compliance with environmental regulations within the 72-hour deadline.
Alarming Health Risks and Agency Mandate
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, revealed that real-time monitoring systems recorded dangerously high pollution levels in the area. The data showed elevated concentrations of harmful pollutants, including particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen and sulphur.
Dr. Ajayi emphasized that prolonged exposure to these pollutants is directly linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and a reduced quality of life for residents. He stated that the agency can no longer overlook industrial practices that endanger public health.
"The protection of lives, property and the environment remains our primary mandate," Dr. Ajayi declared. He stressed that while the agency acknowledges the economic role of the steel sector, this cannot come at the expense of the well-being of Lagosians.
Strict Consequences for Non-Compliance
The three-day grace period, which began on December 23, 2025, is strictly for the companies to install critical pollution control technologies. This includes air pollution abatement systems and effluent treatment plants.
LASEPA has warned that failure to meet this deadline will result in severe sanctions. These measures will include the immediate sealing of facilities and the imposition of heavy fines, applying the "polluter-pays" principle enshrined in environmental law.
This ultimatum formalizes resolutions from a stakeholders' meeting held on December 2, 2025, which was convened due to escalating complaints from residents about worsening air quality and environmental damage.
Ongoing Surveillance and Future Commitments
Dr. Ajayi assured residents of Ikorodu and surrounding communities that LASEPA will intensify its surveillance across all industrial areas in Lagos State. The agency will employ continuous on-site inspections, enforcement patrols, and live air quality monitoring to detect violations early and prevent future infractions.
He reiterated LASEPA's commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders, including industry operators and host communities, to promote cleaner production practices. The ultimate goal is to ensure a safer, healthier, and more sustainable environment for every resident of Lagos.
