The Ogun State Government has linked flooding and greenhouse gas emissions to improper industrial waste disposal, warning that indiscriminate dumping and open burning are aggravating climate and environmental risks.
The government said Nigeria generates over 35 million tonnes of solid waste annually, with Ogun State accounting for more than one million tonnes, a significant share that comes from industries.
Governor Dapo Abiodun raised the concern on Wednesday in Abeokuta at the 3rd Annual Workshop on Industrial Waste Management organised by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, OGWAMA.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya, said waste dumped in drainage channels is worsening flooding, while open burning and inefficient resource use are driving environmental degradation.
He spoke on the theme, “Beyond Compliance: Embedding Circular Economy Principles and Innovation into Industrial Waste Management in Ogun State” describing it as apt and timely.
According to him, Ogun’s status as Nigeria’s foremost industrial hub carries enormous environmental responsibility that must not be ignored.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the relationship between waste management and climate change also requires our attention. Improper waste disposal, open burning and inefficient use of resources contribute to environmental degradation and greenhouse-gas emissions, while waste disposed of in drainage channels can aggravate flooding.
“The position of the government is clear: industrial development must proceed hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Investment is welcome, but it must be within environmental laws that protect public health and communities,” he said.
Oresanya said the State Policy on Climate Change, currently undergoing stakeholders’ review, will provide a coordinated framework for low-carbon industrial development and circular economy.
He listed ongoing interventions including the Blue Box Initiative launched in 2025 to promote household waste segregation, expansion of recycling depots across the three senatorial districts, and the Plastic for Cash Programme targeting women, youth and low-income households.
He added that the state, which has the largest concentration of industrial recycling facilities in Nigeria processing about 2,000 metric tonnes of plastic daily, is also formalising e-waste recovery with collection hubs in Agbara, Sagamu and Ota.
Oresanya disclosed that Ogun was selected by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, as a core state for the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment waste circular economy project, reinforcing its position as Nigeria’s recycling capital.
He urged industrial operators to properly store hazardous materials, maintain effluent treatment facilities and engage only accredited waste operators.
Earlier, the Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, Farouk Adeniyi Akintunde, said the authority has refurbished moribund compactors, acquired new ones and cleared backlog owed PSP operators to strengthen industrial waste collection.
Akintunde, however, warned that some industries still under-declare waste volumes, burn waste and operate illegal dump sites in contravention of Section 27 of the OGWAMA Law 2020, stressing that violators will be sanctioned.
He urged industries to embrace waste audits, segregation at source and industrial symbiosis where waste from one factory becomes raw material for another, to reduce pollution, cut flooding and earn income.