Lagos gives six steel firms the green light to resume operations following adherence to eco-regulations

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has given the green light for six iron and steel manufacturing companies to resume operations in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, after they implemented corrective measures to rectify environmental violations that led to their closure.

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According to a statement released on Thursday in Lagos, signed by LASEPA General Manager Dr Tunde Ajayi, the companies were initially shut down due to serious environmental infractions discovered during an enforcement operation on July 27 in the Ikorodu industrial corridor.

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The affected companies are 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, as listed by Ajayi.

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A comprehensive compliance assessment conducted by LASEPA found that the companies had taken steps to improve their environmental compliance, leading to the decision to lift the closure order and allow operations to resume.

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Prior to the closure, inspections revealed that the companies were emitting brown and black dust, mill scale, shredded dust, dead dust, and other particulate pollutants, posing significant risks to air quality, public health, and the environment, according to Ajayi.

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LASEPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the affected companies before reopening them, committing the firms to full compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and operational guidelines issued by the agency.

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The agreement also requires the companies to implement all corrective measures outlined in the MoU to ensure environmentally responsible operations, as stated by Ajayi.

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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, prompting an intensive enforcement exercise on July 27.

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Ajayi explained that LASEPA has monitoring devices installed across the state, generating publicly accessible data, and that once abnormal pollution levels are detected, enforcement teams are deployed for on-site inspections.

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The agency is also concerned about the management of industrial waste in these heavy-polluting facilities, as continuous monitoring and enforcement are crucial to reducing environmental pollution and promoting environmental protection.

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Ajayi emphasized that the companies must install and maintain efficient filtration systems on their furnaces to reduce emissions and ensure proper management and disposal of industrial waste in line with LASEPA's approved environmental standards.

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LASEPA's technical team will provide technical guidance and ensure strict compliance with these directives, with the companies expected to fully implement these measures to sustain environmentally responsible operations.

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Ajayi warned that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter can cause respiratory diseases and other health complications, but noted that the agency's swift intervention has already resulted in a significant reduction in emissions, reducing health risks to neighbouring communities.

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The general manager reaffirmed LASEPA's commitment to sustained environmental surveillance, stressing that compliance must remain continuous, with enforcement and monitoring teams remaining on the ground every day.

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Newly appointed Zonal Head of Ikorodu I, Mr Taiwo Olumuyiwa, urged the companies to strengthen their environmental management systems and adopt international best practices, emphasizing the importance of cleaner production processes and improved waste management.