In September 2024, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) sealed five companies—Nixin Paper Limited, Long Xiang Aluminium Nigeria Limited, New Shidai Plastic Manufacturing Limited, and two unnamed firms along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogere—over environmental violations.
Abeokuta, Nigeria – The Ogun State Government has taken decisive action by sealing off two factories, Quantum Steel Industry and Xinfeng Plastics Limited, following fatal industrial accidents at their facilities.
Farook Akintunde, Chairman of the State Task Force on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that both companies were shut down due to workplace incidents that led to the loss of lives.
Quantum Steel Industry, located in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, was closed after a devastating industrial explosion that caused fatalities, with some victims still receiving medical care. Similarly, Xinfeng Plastics Limited, situated along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, was sealed off following the tragic electrocution of a machine operator while on duty.
According to Akintunde, the state government ordered the closures to conduct a thorough investigation into the incidents and implement preventive measures to avoid future occurrences.
“As a responsible government, we are committed to carrying out transparent and comprehensive investigations. We will also engage external safety experts to determine the root causes of these tragic events in the interest of public safety,” he stated.
The chairman further expressed concern over the continued occurrence of fatal workplace accidents despite the state’s ongoing safety awareness campaigns. He stressed that both companies would remain shut until the investigations were concluded and adequate safety measures were put in place.
He also issued a stern warning to other industries operating in Ogun State, urging them to prioritize the safety of their workers, particularly those involved in production activities.
The recent enforcement action aligns with Ogun State’s broader efforts to ensure workplace safety and environmental compliance.
In September 2024, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) sealed five companies—Nixin Paper Limited, Long Xiang Aluminium Nigeria Limited, New Shidai Plastic Manufacturing Limited, and two unnamed firms along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogere—over environmental violations. The infractions included non-compliance with Stop Work orders, the discharge of untreated wastewater, lack of Effluent Treatment Plants, obstruction of inspectors, and failure to disclose business names.
Similarly, in March 2024, the government shut down Food Agro and Allied Industries Limited, a malted sorghum producer in Ijako, Sango-Ota, due to significant environmental breaches and regulatory violations.
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