PICTORIAL: Lagos shuts six steel firms over environmental violations

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The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency has sealed six iron and steel manufacturing companies in the Odogunyan Industrial Layout, Ikorodu, over alleged environmental violations.

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This was announced by LASEPA on its official X handle on Monday,

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The agency said the enforcement operation was carried out by its Enforcement Team on the directive of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab.

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The statement read, “The enforcement exercise, carried out by the Agency’s Enforcement team, was in line with the directive of the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, as part of the Lagos State Government’s comittment to safeguarding public health and ensuring strict compliance with environmental regulations.”

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According to LASEPA, the exercise is part of the Lagos State Government’s efforts to safeguard public health and ensure industries comply with environmental standards.

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The affected companies are Germini Steel Nigeria Limited, Top Steel Nigeria Limited, Pulkit Alloy Nigeria Limited, Landcraft Steel Nigeria Limited, Sunflag Steel Nigeria Limited and African Steel Nigeria Limited.

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The agency said inspections of the facilities uncovered multiple environmental breaches, prompting the closure of the companies.

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It listed the violations to include the emission of brown dust, black dust, mill scale, shredded dust, dead dust and other non-metallic particulate matter, which it said pose significant threats to air quality, public health and the environment.

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Speaking during the enforcement exercise, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the agency would continue to ensure industries comply with environmental regulations.

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He urged “All Industries operating within the state to prioritise environmental responsibility by adhering strictly to regulatory requirements, emphasising that complaince is essential for sustainable industrial growth and the well-being of Lagos residents.”

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Ajayi added that the state government remained committed to protecting residents from the effects of industrial pollution and would not hesitate to sanction companies that violate approved environmental standards.

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He also urged manufacturers to comply fully with environmental laws to promote sustainable industrial development while safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.

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Lagos State has stepped up enforcement against industries and commercial facilities accused of violating environmental regulations as part of broader efforts to improve air quality, reduce pollution and protect public health.

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In recent months, LASEPA has sealed several facilities across the state over allegations ranging from excessive emissions and noise pollution to other environmental infractions.

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