The Ogun State Government has ordered the immediate suspension of lead ingot exports as part of urgent steps to tackle growing concerns over alleged lead poisoning in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, announced the directive during an inspection tour of the community, prompted by a viral video alleging hazardous environmental contamination.
Oresanya—accompanied by environmental and health experts from the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA)—confirmed that seven used lead-acid battery recycling plants operating in Ogijo have been shut down.
Reassuring residents of the government’s commitment to public safety, he said a comprehensive health and environmental audit would be carried out on the affected facilities. The assessment will include testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and major water sources in and around the industrial area.
He added that all test results will be made public, and that the state will review the methods and findings of previous assessments referenced in recent media reports.