Wale Jagun
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reopened six iron and steel manufacturing companies in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, after confirming they had addressed environmental violations that led to their closure.
The companies were unsealed following a comprehensive compliance assessment that verified they had implemented corrective measures to meet the agency’s environmental standards.
The affected firms are African Steel Mills Ltd, Pulkit Alloy & Steel Limited, LandCraft Industries Ltd, Sunflag Steel Nigeria Ltd, Gemini Steel Nigeria Ltd, and Top Steel Nigeria Ltd.
They were sealed on Monday as part of LASEPA’s enforcement drive across the Ikorodu Industrial Corridor after the agency’s air quality monitoring system detected elevated levels of pollution.
Speaking during the reopening, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the enforcement action was prompted by real-time air quality data indicating significant pollution in the area.
“On Monday, July 27, we carried out an intensive enforcement exercise in the industrial and commercial corridors of Lagos after our air quality monitors detected several red flags,” Ajayi said.
He listed the environmental infractions to include the emission of brown dust, black dust, mill scale, shredded dust, dead dust, and other non-metallic particulate matter.
“These pollutants pose significant threats to air quality, public health, and the surrounding environment, making prompt regulatory intervention imperative,” he added.
Ajayi noted that LASEPA operates air quality monitoring devices strategically located across the state, with the data made publicly accessible.
He disclosed that LASEPA and the affected manufacturers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) before the facilities were reopened.
”The conditions include the installation and maintenance of efficient filtration systems on furnaces to reduce air emissions, as well as proper management and disposal of industrial waste in line with LASEPA’s approved standards.
“Our technical team is permanently stationed within the Odogunyan Industrial Corridor to provide technical guidance and ensure strict compliance with these directives,” Ajayi said.
