Ogun Seals Five Chinese Companies After Officials Assaulted
The Ogun State Government has sealed five Chinese-owned companies operating along the Ogere axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, citing gross violations of environmental regulations and the alleged assault of enforcement officials during a routine operation.
The affected firms include DL Plastics, Dyschenghan Plastics, SH Agricultural, Beautiful Fibre, and Jincaicai Nigeria.
Authorities said the companies were repeatedly warned against indiscriminate dumping and burning of industrial waste as well as their refusal to patronize accredited Government waste collectors.
Despite several letters, invitations, and visits by officials from the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA), the companies allegedly failed to comply with directives.
When enforcement teams sealed the companies’ premises earlier in the week, the seals and chains were reportedly broken.
On returning with security operatives, the officials were allegedly mobbed and assaulted by company workers. Some sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital for treatment.
Abayomi Hunye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Managing Director of OGWAMA, who led the operation, strongly condemned the actions of the firms, describing them as not only environmental violators but also threats to public order.
“This Government will not tolerate lawlessness. Investment cannot and will not be used as a cover to endanger our environment or attack government officials.
These companies will face the full weight of Nigerian law,” Hunye said.
He stressed that while the state values foreign investment, businesses must operate within the confines of the law and respect environmental standards put in place to protect residents.
The sealing of the factories has drawn attention to the environmental hazards posed by industrial pollution in Ogun State, with local communities often bearing the brunt of improper waste disposal and toxic emissions.
Government officials confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated against the firms, even as investigations into the assault continue.
