The Ogun State Government has ordered an immediate temporary halt to lead ingot exports following reports of possible lead contamination in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area.
The decision came after officials carried out an on-the-spot inspection prompted by a viral video alleging lead poisoning in the community.
In a statement, Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, said he led a joint team of experts from the Ministries of Environment and Health, the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to assess the situation.
During the visit, the government shut down seven industries engaged in Used Lead-Acid Battery recycling within the Ogijo area.
Oresanya urged residents to remain calm, explaining that the state has begun a comprehensive Health and Process Audit of all affected facilities. The audit will include testing lead levels in residents, as well as in soil, air, and water across the industrial zone.
He added that the government will release the findings once investigations are concluded and will also review the testing methods used in earlier reports circulating online.
