The Ogun State Government has sealed five Chinese companies operating along the Ogere axis of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway for alleged violation of environmental laws and assault on state officials.
The affected firms are DL Plastics, Dyschenghan Plastics, SH Agricultural, Beautiful Fibre, and Jincaicai Nigeria. Officials of the companies were also arrested after they allegedly attacked government and law enforcement officers who attempted to enforce the sealing order.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Authority, Abayomi Hunye, said on Wednesday that the companies had for months disregarded several warnings and invitations from the government.
Hunye explained that the infractions committed by the firms included improper waste disposal, open burning of refuse, and refusal to engage recognised government waste collectors. He said, “We have been on this case for the past six months. We sent letters to them and invited them to explain themselves, but they refused to honour our invitation. Our officials also visited them several times but were not allowed in.”
According to him, the government sealed the premises of the companies last Thursday by locking their gates, but the firms forcefully broke the seals and chains. He added that when officials returned with law enforcement officers to enforce the order, company workers resisted and attacked them.
“Our officials and law enforcement officers were mobbed, assaulted, and rushed to the hospital. They prevented lawful duties and inflicted bodily harm,” he said.
Hunye condemned the incident as barbaric, stressing that the companies had become an environmental nuisance and a threat to law and order in the state. He warned that the government would not tolerate recalcitrant foreign firms hiding under the guise of investment to commit illegality.
“What is even annoying is that the companies have not only constituted themselves into an environmental nuisance, but had the temerity to assault and inflict bodily harm on law enforcement officers and state officials. We will not fold our arms. Any company or national caught will be prosecuted under Nigerian law,” Hunye declared.
