Ogun State Government Launches Comprehensive Air Quality Monitoring Exercise to Assess Lead Pollution in Ogijo Sagamu Local Government Area Nigeria

Residents of Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government Area have recently seen increased government activity as concerns over lead contamination linked to used lead-acid battery (ULAB) operations continue to grow.

In response, the Ogun State Government has launched a thorough air quality monitoring exercise to assess the impact on the community and neighboring Lagos border areas.

Collaborative Effort for Accurate Environmental Data

The Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that the initiative is part of a broader investigation into the “accumulated impact of lead” in Ogijo.

The Ministry of Environment is conducting the exercise in collaboration with researchers from the University of Lagos, as well as officials from both the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency.

Monitoring Metal Manufacturing Facilities

During the monitoring exercise, three companies—True Metals Ltd, Vedanta Metals, and Metal Manufacturing Nigeria Ltd—were carefully assessed.

High-volume samplers were used to measure particulate matter, including PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀, while real-time equipment captured noise levels, volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and other environmental parameters.

Oresanya emphasized that the monitoring would continue for three consecutive days, following strict protocols to ensure that the data collected is credible, science-based, and aligns with government environmental standards.

Protecting Public Health Through Proactive Governance

The commissioner highlighted that this initiative reflects Ogun State’s commitment to safeguarding public health through proactive environmental oversight.

The exercise comes amid increasing scrutiny of environmental practices surrounding ULAB operations in Ogijo.

Previous Government Actions on Lead Contamination

Earlier reports by PUNCH Online revealed that the state had suspended three environmental consultancy firms—Vyne Nurt Limited, Core Environmental Services Limited, and Saag Chemicals Nigeria Limited—over negligence in addressing acid battery pollution from closed ULAB recycling companies.

Additionally, free lead poisoning tests were offered to residents after concerns arose from seven recently shut-down ULAB recycling operations.

A viral video showing possible contamination in the area had also prompted the temporary suspension of ingot exports from the state.

Addressing Gaps in Environmental Compliance

Oresanya explained that during audits, the firms were found lacking, either failing to install required pollution abatement devices or not properly reporting them to the government.

The ongoing monitoring exercise aims to ensure that environmental hazards are identified and addressed effectively.