in a bid to rid Ogijo and surrounding communities of environmental hazards, particularly alleged lead poisoning, the Ogun State government has inaugurated a 15-member Joint Monitoring Committee.

Speaking at the inauguration, Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, said the committee would serve as a bridge between the government and the community.

The members were strategically selected based on their proximity to Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling facilities—whose operations are linked to the alleged lead contamination—and their active participation in recent community engagements in Ogijo.

Dr. Oresanya outlined the committee’s mandate, which includes providing localized oversight of ULAB operations, facilitating the reporting of environmental and health concerns, and ensuring transparency in remediation and compliance processes.

“Environmental protection cannot be achieved through regulation alone. It requires community vigilance, shared responsibility, and mutual trust. Members of this Joint Monitoring Committee carry an important mandate to act objectively, responsibly, and in the best interest of public health and environmental sustainability,” he said.

“Their roles are both preventive and protective, aimed at early detection of risks and sustained compliance.”

The Commissioner also addressed ULAB operators directly, emphasizing that economic activities must never compromise human health or environmental integrity.

“Compliance with environmental health and safety standards is mandatory. Any facility that fails to meet prescribed requirements will not be permitted to operate,” he warned.

Also at the event, General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Hon. Kehinde Bello, urged stakeholders to support the state government in restoring environmental compliance to Ogijo and pledged the agency’s full support for the committee’s work.

The Ologigo of Ogijo, Oba Kazim Gbadamosi called on ULAB operators to adhere strictly to environmental safety standards and charged the committee members to diligently execute their responsibilities.

Speaking on behalf of the national regulator, the South-West Director of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Mr. Jack Peniel, affirmed that NESREA would ensure strict compliance with environmental standards to restore a safe and conducive environment in Ogijo.

However, it is worth noting that although the Ogun State government previously promised free lead testing for residents in and around Ogijo, the results of these tests, conducted nearly two months ago, have yet to be publicly released. (The Guardian)

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