Ogun State authorities have ordered the closure of seven used lead-acid battery (ULAB) recycling plants in Ogijo, Sagamu LGA, following reports of potential lead poisoning.
Gatekeepers News reports that the government also directed a temporary halt on the export of lead ingots from the state as part of urgent measures to tackle the situation.
An investigative report on Wednesday revealed that residents testing positive for lead exposure live within 100 to 500 metres of True Metals Nigeria Limited and Everest Metal Nigeria Ltd, two major battery recyclers in Ogijo.
Ola Oresanya, Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, spoke during an inspection tour of the area after a viral video highlighted possible hazardous contamination.
He stated that the affected facilities would undergo a full health and operational audit, including testing for lead levels in humans, soil, air, and local water sources.
Oresanya assured that the findings would be made public, with a review of previous assessments cited in media reports.
The inspection team included experts from the state ministries of environment and health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
