Ogun Suspends Firms Over Pollution Negligence

The Ogun State government has taken decisive action against three environmental consultancy firms, suspending them over professional negligence linked to alleged acid battery pollution from closed Used Lead Acid Battery (ULAB) recycling companies in Ogijo.

The firms were found culpable during a review of the Process Audit of the closed companies, according to Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya. “The consultancy firms were deficient in reporting the correct situation of the companies to the state government,” Oresanya stated.

The suspension was announced after a meeting at the Ministry of Environment, where five consultancy firms involved in the audit were invited to defend their reports. Two firms provided explanations, but three others failed to attend, prompting the government to suspend their operations.

“The three suspended firms deliberately absented themselves from the review meeting, knowing fully well they were complicit,” Oresanya said. The firms are suspended from environmental consultancy services in the state until they clear their names.

The Federal Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Standards and Enforcement Agency have been notified of the decision. “The suspension is necessary to protect public health and ensure accountability in environmental management,” Oresanya emphasized.