The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has reopened six iron and steel manufacturing companies at Odogunyan in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
That was after confirming that the companies had taken corrective measures to address environmental violations that led to their closure.
This is contained in a statement signed by the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Tunde Ajayi, and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the companies were sealed on July 27 following the discovery of serious environmental infractions during an enforcement operation in Ikorodu industrial corridor.
Ajayi listed the affected firms as African Steel Mills Ltd; Pulkit Alloy and Steel Ltd.; LandCraft Industries Ltd.; Sunflag Steel Nigeria Ltd.; Gemini Steel Nigeria Ltd. and Top Steel Nigeria Ltd.
The general manager said that the decision followed a comprehensive compliance assessment conducted by the agency.
He said inspections confirmed that the companies had taken steps to improve their environmental compliance before operations resumed.
Ajayi recalled that the firms were sanctioned after investigations uncovered emissions of brown and black dust; mill scale; shredded dust; dead dust and other particulate pollutants.
‘’The pollutants pose serious risks to air quality, public health and the environment, ‘’ he said.
The general manager disclosed that LASEPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the affected companies before lifting the enforcement order.
According to him, the agreement commits the firms to full compliance with environmental laws, regulations and operational guidelines issued by the agency.
“The companies also undertook to implement all corrective measures contained in the MoU to ensure environmentally responsible operations,” Ajayi said.
Ajayi explained that the enforcement exercise was triggered by data from LASEPA’s real-time air quality monitoring network, which detected elevated pollution levels within the Odogunyan Industrial Corridor.
“On Monday, July 27, we carried out an intensive enforcement exercise after our air quality monitors detected several red flags.
“LASEPA has monitoring devices strategically installed across the state, and the data generated is publicly accessible.
“Once we observed abnormal pollution levels, we immediately deployed our enforcement teams for on-site inspections.
“We are equally concerned about the management of industrial waste in these heavy-polluting facilities because continuous monitoring and enforcement remain critical to reducing environmental pollution.
‘’They are also critical to promoting environmental protection and safeguarding the health and livelihoods of Lagos residents,” he said.
Ajayi said the companies must install and maintain efficient filtration systems on their furnaces to reduce emissions.
He added that they must ensure proper management and disposal of industrial waste in line with LASEPA’s approved environmental standards.
“Our technical team is permanently stationed within the Odogunyan Industrial Corridor to provide technical guidance and ensure strict compliance with these directives.
“The companies are expected to fully implement these measures to sustain environmentally responsible operations,” he said.
Ajayi warned that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could cause respiratory diseases and other health complications.
He noted that the agency’s swift intervention had already resulted in a significant reduction in emissions, reducing health risks to neighbouring communities.
The general manager reaffirmed LASEPA’s commitment to sustained environmental surveillance, stressing that compliance must remain continuous.
“Our enforcement and monitoring teams will remain on ground every day.
‘’This is to ensure that industrial activities do not compromise the health, safety and well-being of residents living within host communities,” he said.
Also, in the statement, the newly appointed Zonal Head of Ikorodu I, Mr Taiwo Olumuyiwa, urged the companies to strengthen their environmental management systems and adopt international best practices.
Olumuyiwa said cleaner production processes, improved waste management and lower emissions, were essential for protecting public health and achieving a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos. (NAN)