OGEPA Brokers Peace Between Monarch Steel Mill, Ogijo Community Over Expansion Dispute
The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has successfully mediated a dispute between Monarch Steel Mill Limited and the Olorunsogo Ipetoro Community Development Association (CDA) in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, following concerns raised over the company’s planned expansion.
The intervention came after the community submitted a petition to the agency, alleging concerns over Monarch Steel Mill’s acquisition of properties within the area as part of its proposed expansion project.
The petition, signed by the Chairman of the Olorunsogo Ipetoro CDA, Mr. Michael Bilesanmi, urged OGEPA to investigate the company’s activities, particularly the process through which it was acquiring residential properties for its expansion.
Responding to the concerns, the General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, convened a stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of the community and officials of Monarch Steel Mill Limited to facilitate dialogue and find an amicable resolution to the issues.
Speaking during the meeting, Bello stressed the need for proper industrial planning, noting that industries should be sited within designated industrial zones to minimise conflicts with residential communities.
He emphasised that environmental sustainability, public safety and the welfare of host communities must remain central to every industrial development project.
According to him, the company’s proposed expansion is intended to establish a buffer zone designed to ensure that its operations do not negatively impact residents and other developed parts of the community.
Bello, however, maintained that while companies have the right to expand their operations, such growth must strictly comply with environmental regulations and respect the rights of residents and property owners in host communities.
Following extensive deliberations, stakeholders reached a number of resolutions aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence between the company and the community.
The meeting resolved that Monarch Steel Mill Limited must not compel any resident to sell his or her property. Instead, the company should only negotiate with property owners who are willing to sell voluntarily.
Stakeholders also agreed that the community’s electricity transformer should be relocated into the company’s premises. To guarantee uninterrupted access, the company is expected to construct an access gate that will allow both residents and company officials easy access to the facility.
In addition, Monarch Steel Mill Limited was directed to undertake the repair of the community transformer.
The resolutions were unanimously endorsed by representatives of both the community and the company, with participants expressing optimism that the agreements would safeguard residents’ rights, promote harmonious relations and ensure that industrial activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.
The meeting underscored OGEPA’s commitment to balancing industrial development with environmental protection and the interests of host communities through dialogue, transparency and adherence to regulatory standards.
