The Ogun State Government has vowed to rid the state of illegal waste dumps and other environmental hazards, declaring that the era of indiscriminate dumping of hazardous materials is over.

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, stated this while speaking on the ongoing evacuation of slag illegally dumped in various communities, particularly around Used Lead-Acid Battery facilities in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.

Bello said the evacuation was part of the government’s broader efforts to keep Ogun State clean, protect residents from hazardous materials and ensure strict compliance with environmental standards.

He explained that the hazardous nature of the slag made its removal imperative, especially as some residents living around the affected communities might not be aware of the potential health and environmental dangers associated with the materials.

According to him, the evacuation exercise may take weeks due to the large quantity of slag illegally dumped at different locations around ULAB facilities.

He said, “We will ensure that Ogun State is clean. The evacuation of slag, which is currently ongoing in the state, will take weeks to complete because lots of them are illegally dumped in many communities surrounding the ULAB facilities.

“The state government is determined to evacuate them in the overall public interest and well-being of the residents.”

The OGEPA boss assured residents of Ogijo and other affected communities that the government had taken steps to prevent further illegal dumping of slag.

He disclosed that ULAB facilities had been directed to upgrade their technology through the deployment of automatic battery breakers to reduce slag generation to the barest minimum.

Bello added that the facilities must comply with the state government’s approved procedures for the handling and management of slag.

He said OGEPA would continue to enforce environmental laws against individuals and companies whose activities pose threats to public health or degrade the environment.

Bello stated that the agency’s mandate goes beyond waste evacuation, stressing that OGEPA is responsible for protecting, restoring and developing the environment across Ogun State.

He said the agency would continue to establish and enforce environmental standards, monitor industries and commercial facilities, regulate hazardous waste, control air and noise pollution, conduct environmental surveillance and audits, and respond to complaints of environmental degradation.

According to him, enforcement of safety and environmental standards is already ongoing across the state, with defaulters facing closure until they comply with stipulated regulations.

“Any company flouting the environmental laws in the state will be sealed and forced to comply. This includes companies involved in noise pollution and other forms of environmental pollution,” he warned.

Bello said the government’s commitment to a cleaner Ogun required the cooperation of industries, communities and residents, stressing that environmental protection was a collective responsibility.

He urged residents to desist from indiscriminate dumping and report activities capable of contaminating the environment, assuring that OGEPA would continue to combine enforcement, monitoring and public enlightenment to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier Ogun State.