Ogun Shuts Factory Over Illegal Dumping and Open-Air Waste Burning

(Authorities in Ogun. Photo by Daily Post)

Ogun State Waste Management Authority has shut down Quantum Packaging Nigeria Limited, a paper processing facility, for operating an unauthorised dumping ground and conducting open-air waste incineration along Lusada-Igbesa Road in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.

The Managing Director disclosed that the company's practices violated Section 2(b)(a) of the OGWAMA Law 2020 and the Ogun State Environmental and Public Health Law 2006, both of which prohibit uncontrolled waste burning and unlicensed refuse disposal.

The violation was uncovered through targeted monitoring of industrial facilities suspected of environmental transgressions.

During an inspection visit, the official observed that the company had disposed of waste haphazardly within its premises rather than engaging licensed waste management contractors for proper collection and treatment.

Following an initial caution, surveillance activities revealed extensive unauthorised dumping on adjoining land, accompanied by systematic incineration intended to conceal the violations.

The Authority and state government consequently initiated closure proceedings.

The official characterised the company's environmental breaches as posing serious risks to public health, emphasising that waste incineration presents documented health hazards, including elevated cancer prevalence.

He stated that government policy prohibits industrial operators from contaminating the environment and endangering resident populations.

The facility will remain sealed until management eliminates the illegal dumpsite and submits a comprehensive remediation strategy for environmental restoration.

(Illegal Dumping. Photo by Daily Post)