Ogun seals paper company over illegal dumpsite

Ogun State authorities have sealed Dahua Paper Company Limited in Abeokuta for allegedly operating an illegal dumpsite and engaging in open waste burning, posing a threat to public health and the environment.

The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) took action after months of monitoring and intelligence gathering confirmed the company's violations. The company is accused of operating an illegal dumpsite opposite its factory, where waste was dumped and subsequently burned. Evidence suggests the waste was pushed towards a river, contaminating water bodies and underground water sources used by nearby villages.

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To confirm our intelligence report about them, the company was found operating at the illegal dumpsite, pushing the waste to a river at the end of the dumpsite, thereby contaminating the water bodies and polluting the underground water, as the river serves nearby villages, hence putting the health of villagers in danger.

During the enforcement operation, OGWAMA officials, led by Special Adviser to the Governor and Managing Director Faruk Akintunde, found the company actively dumping waste. Two lorries used by the company for waste disposal were also discovered at the site and confiscated.

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Aside from these, two lorries used by the company to dump their waste at the illegal dumpsites were also caught on site and have equally been confiscated.

The company's actions are in violation of the state’s Environmental and Public Health Law 2006 and Section 2(b)(a) of the OGWAMA Law 2020, which prohibit open burning of waste. Akintunde stated that the company will remain sealed and face legal consequences for these environmental offenses.

OGWAMA issued a stern warning to individuals and organizations involved in illegal dumpsites or waste burning, urging them to desist and register with the authority for proper waste management. This action follows recent warnings issued by OGWAMA to market leaders and traders against using markets as illegal dumpsites.

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Those who are in the habit of operating illegal dumpsites or involved in waste burning should desist forthwith and register with the Ogun State Waste Management Authority for proper disposal of their waste or wait till the long arm of the law catches up with them.