In order to uphold a clean and safe environment, the government of Ogun State has issued a warning to industries and individuals who do not adhere to its waste management regulations.
This caution was given through a statement from the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, underscoring the government’s dedication to keeping the environment clean and safe.
During an inspection of waste management practices at various industries in the state, the Special Adviser to the Ogun Governor on Waste Management, Abayomi Hunye, highlighted the importance of evaluating current practices, making necessary corrections, and applauding compliant industries to set an example for others to follow suit.
Hunye mentioned that the inspection aimed to implement reforms that align with global standards, focusing on organizing proper industrial waste collection and disposal procedures to replace the previously disorderly methods employed by industries.
Under these reforms, industries are assigned government-approved waste collectors tasked with transporting their waste to specified dump sites for sorting and decontamination, if necessary.
Despite these initiatives, Hunye expressed concerns about some industries evading the regulations by underreporting their waste production or using unauthorized collectors, leading to inappropriate disposal practices and environmental pollution.
“Some industries have refused to give their waste to government-assigned collectors or declared little waste to circumvent the reforms and subsequently engage illegal collectors who dump waste indiscriminately, thereby fouling the environment and exposing residents to avoidable danger,” he stated.
Hunye emphasized the importance of compliance with waste management regulations, cautioning that non-compliance would result in penalties.
However, he clarified that the government’s primary objective is to encourage industries to adopt best practices, rather than resorting to shutdowns.
“The state government is not interested in closing down any industry but will continue to encourage them to do the right thing so that together, we can bequeath a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment to society,” he stated.
To facilitate compliance, Hunye invited industries to participate in an upcoming two-day workshop organized by OGWAMA for Health Safety Environment Officers. This workshop aims to equip participants with essential information on adhering to the waste management reforms.
Adesina Adegoke, Head of Operations at Intercontinental Distillers Limited, praised the government’s initiative, ensuring the industries’ cooperation. He noted that the reforms would “make the state cleaner and safer.”
