The Ogun State Ministry of Environment has issued out stern warning to companies operating within the State to ensure strict compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations.

The Chairman, Taskforce on Environmental Impact Acessment, Mr. Sofela Akinbode, who also doubles as the Director, Planning Research and Statistics, Special Duties and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment made this known while leading the team on inspection tour to companies along Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

Sofela said the team was carrying out the directive of the Honorable Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, who amidst growing concern over arbitrary industrial activities that pose threats to the environment and public health, which necessitated the routine inspection.

He explained that the EIA process is a globally recognised tool for predicting and evaluating the potential environmental consequences of projects before implementation, adding that compliance was not optional, rather a legal obligation designed to safeguard the State's natural resources, as well as protecting residents from harmful environmental practices.

"Any company that  undermines the EIA process not only violates State and Federal environmental laws but also risks sanctions, including suspension of operations, fines, or outright closure", Sofela stated.

He further urged the company owners, developers and investors to embrace eco- friendly practices, noting that sustainable industrial growth could only be achieved when economic process is balanced with environmental protection.

He stressed that Government would intensify monitoring and enforcement across the industrial hubs in Ogun State to ensure total compliance.

Reacting, an environmental expert and Head, Quality Assurance Department, Saket Agro Industry Limited, Mrs. Sani Latifat, one of the companies visited during the tour, expressed their satisfaction to the Government policy, saying the move to ensure enforcement of EIA laws was welcomed, describing it as timely and necessary to curb the rising cases of pollution, flooding and land degradation linked to poor planning and non- adherence to environmental standards.

Kemi Peters,

Information and Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Environment