The Ogun State Government has commenced a major environmental remediation exercise in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, following investigations into alleged lead contamination linked to used lead-acid battery recycling activities in the community.
The clean-up exercise followed environmental assessments, including tests on soil, water, air and blood samples collected from residents to determine the extent of the suspected contamination. Authorities said the findings informed the decision to begin remediation in the affected areas.
As part of the exercise, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has started evacuating hazardous slag illegally dumped around communities near the recycling facilities. The agency said the operation could take several weeks because of the large volume of waste requiring removal.
The government also directed battery recycling companies operating in the area to adopt safer technologies, including automatic battery breakers, and comply with stricter waste management guidelines. Officials warned that companies violating the new environmental standards would face sanctions. In addition to waste removal, the remediation programme will include bioremediation through vegetation planting to help restore contaminated land.
