Dare Babalola
The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) has shut down an automobile assembly company, Carry Heavy Industry Limited (CHIL), located at Moloko-Asipa near Abeokuta, for allegedly burning waste in violation of state environmental laws.
The agency said the company, which manufactures heavy-duty and passenger vehicles, contravened Section 2b(a) of the OGWAMA law that prohibits individuals and industries from burning waste within the state.
Announcing the closure, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Waste Management and Managing Director of OGWAMA, Hon. Farouk Akintunde, said the authority was left with no choice after issuing several warnings to the company’s management.
He explained that the firm had repeatedly been directed to engage government-approved Waste Private Sector Participants (PSPs) for proper waste disposal but failed to comply.
Akintunde described the practice of waste burning as illegal and harmful, noting that it contributes to air pollution through toxic emissions and poses serious health risks to workers and nearby residents.
According to him, the Ogun State Government remains committed to protecting the wellbeing of residents and will not tolerate actions that endanger public health.
He stated that the company would remain sealed until it complies with the law by registering with approved waste PSP operators for lawful disposal of its waste or face stricter legal consequences.
Meanwhile, OGWAMA also issued a warning to Camellin Industry Limited, located along the Sagamu Interchange on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, over a similar offence.
Akintunde said the company was also found culpable of waste burning, which he described as dangerous to workers and the surrounding environment.
He added that the management of the company had been summoned to explain why it should not face sanctions or prosecution.
