The Ogun State Government has ordered an immediate temporary suspension of lead ingot exportation from the state as part of emergency measures to verify allegations of lead poisoning in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, announced the directive on Thursday during an inspection tour of the community, following a viral video that alleged hazardous contamination linked to battery-recycling activities.
Oresanya, who visited the area in company with experts from the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), said seven industries engaged in used lead-acid battery recycling had been shut down pending further investigation.
He assured residents that the government was taking decisive steps to safeguard public health, noting that a comprehensive health and process audit would be carried out on all affected facilities. The audit, he said, will cover testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air and major water sources within and around the industrial axis.
According to him, the findings of the investigation will be made public. He added that the state will also review previous assessments referenced in media reports to ensure accuracy and transparency.
