Ogijo in Danger: State Orders Closure of Battery Plants After Poisoning Scare

State government suspends lead ingot exports and orders health audit after residents test positive for lead exposure

The Ogun State Government has closed seven used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling companies in the Ogijo community, Sagamu Local Government Area, amid rising concerns over alleged lead poisoning.

The affected firms include major recyclers such as True Metals Nigeria Limited and Everest Metal Nigeria Ltd. Authorities also called for a temporary suspension of lead ingot exports from the state as part of immediate remedial measures.

The closure followed an investigative report showing that residents living within 100 to 500 metres of the factories tested positive for lead contamination.

Ola Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, who inspected the area, said a comprehensive health and process audit would be conducted on the facilities. The audit will test lead levels in humans, soil, air, and water sources within and around the industrial town.

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“The results of the tests will be made public, and we will review past assessments and methodologies reported in the media,” Oresanya said.

The commissioner was accompanied by 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).

The government said it is committed to safeguarding public health while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations in industrial operations.