Dare Babalola
The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to managing its environmental impact, citing the state’s status as a major industrial hub with a high concentration of economic activities.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the pledge through the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, while declaring open the fourth edition of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Annual Chemical Users and Handlers Workshop.
The workshop, themed “Transforming E-Waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solution for Ogun State,” focused on sustainable approaches to managing electronic waste.
The governor noted that the state’s industrial density has made it a major destination for end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment, often leading to improper dismantling and disposal.
“This improper handling and disposal releases lead, mercury, brominate flame retardants and other toxic substances into our soil and waterway threatening the health of residents particularly communities,” he said.
Abiodun stressed that when properly managed, electronic waste holds significant economic value, explaining that a single tonne of e-waste can contain up to 100 times more gold than gold ore, alongside other valuable materials such as silver, copper and palladium.
He described improperly discarded e-waste as a “gold mine” that the state is determined to harness responsibly.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Kafayat Lawal, said the workshop was timely, noting that Nigeria generates over half a million tonnes of e-waste annually.
She added that Ogun State, given its industrial profile, is well-positioned to convert the challenge into economic opportunity.
Lawal warned that poor management of e-waste could contaminate soil and water and pose serious public health risks, particularly to children, but added that proper handling could drive innovation, create jobs and support sustainable growth.
The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the agency is collaborating with financial institutions to tackle the growing e-waste challenge.
In his welcome address, the General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Hon. Kehinde Bello, said the workshop was designed to promote a structured and safe framework for e-waste management.
He emphasised the need for collaboration, knowledge sharing and adoption of best practices, particularly in chemical handling during recycling processes.
Participants at the event, represented by Mr. Daniel Okpe and Mrs. Olujobi Deborah, commended the organisers, describing the workshop as timely and enlightening.
