Solanke Ayomideji Taiwo
The House of Representatives has been alerted to a rapidly escalating environmental and public health emergency in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Dr. Princess Adesola Ayoola-Elegbeji.
During Tuesday’s plenary, the lawmaker raised the alarm over severe lead contamination allegedly linked to multiple battery recycling factories operating in the area. She described the situation as a “full-blown public health crisis” that has exposed thousands of residents—especially children and factory workers—to dangerous levels of toxic metals.
Ayoola-Elegbeji explained that many of the factories responsible for the pollution have been operating without adequate safety systems, environmental safeguards, or proper regulatory oversight. The result, she said, is widespread exposure that places residents at risk of serious medical conditions, including neurological impairment, developmental challenges in children, and organ-related illnesses.
The Representative lamented what she called “persistent and troubling lapses” in regulatory enforcement. According to her, repeated violations by operators and the failure of some facilities to comply with established environmental standards have allowed unsafe practices to continue unchecked. She insisted that the country must not sacrifice human safety for economic activity.
To address the crisis, Ayoola-Elegbeji presented a set of immediate action points to the House. These include the constitution of an Ad-hoc Committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation, evaluate both environmental and health hazards, and report back within eight weeks. She also called for a temporary moratorium on the export of recycled lead ingots to curb unsafe operations pending the outcome of the inquiry.
Further recommendations directed the Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, NESREA, and the Ogun State Government to deploy a coordinated emergency response team to Ogijo and nearby communities. In addition, the lawmaker urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide emergency healthcare, humanitarian support, and temporary relocation for families most severely affected.
Ayoola-Elegbeji reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring accountability and protecting the well-being of communities in her constituency. She stressed that no Nigerian community should be left to endure the consequences of industrial negligence.
“This is about the lives, dignity, and future of our people,” she declared. “We must act with urgency and resolve.”
The motion was widely welcomed by members of the House, marking a significant step toward bringing national attention—and intervention—to one of the country’s most pressing environmental health challenges.
