Ogun urges industries to strengthen environmental compliance, CSR initiatives

By Popoola Jamiu, Abeokuta

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA), Hon. Kehinde Bello, has called on industries operating in Ogun State to strengthen compliance with environmental regulations, improve corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and adopt sustainable environmental practices.

Bello made the call during a familiarisation tour of companies across the agency’s three operational zones-Ogun Central, Ogun West and Ogun East.

According to him, the visit was aimed at assessing the level of environmental compliance among industries and strengthening collaboration between OGEPA and the private sector in protecting the environment.

Addressing the management teams of the companies visited, Bello emphasised the need for periodic environmental training programmes for staff to enhance their knowledge and capacity in environmental management. He noted that continuous training would encourage the adoption of global best practices in environmental sustainability.

He also urged industries to partner with the Ogun State Government on tree-planting initiatives aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, reducing global warming and promoting environmental sustainability across the state.

The OGEPA boss further charged companies to ensure strict compliance with regulations governing the management of hazardous waste and spent oil by maintaining proper documentation and engaging only approved waste handlers in line with the agency’s guidelines.

Bello also directed industries to install and maintain efficient Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) to prevent the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment.

Speaking on the importance of corporate social responsibility, he encouraged companies to strengthen their CSR programmes through projects that positively impact host communities while supporting environmental sustainability.

He further advised industries to improve chemical management practices within their facilities and ensure they obtain the necessary permits from the agency.

“You should improve your chemical management practices and ensure that the required chemical permit is obtained from OGEPA,” Bello said.

Also speaking, the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance at OGEPA, Mr. Babatunde Bolarinwa, highlighted the statutory environmental permits required for industrial operations. These include the Chemical Storage Permit, Effluent Discharge Permit, Environmental Audit Approval and Environmental Monitoring Programme approvals, among others.

Responding on behalf of the companies visited, the Associate Director of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mrs. Mark Tijani, commended OGEPA for the familiarisation exercise, describing it as a reflection of the strong partnership between the agency and industries in promoting environmental compliance and sustainable development in Ogun State.

The companies visited during the tour included Prorich Products Nigeria Limited, International Breweries Plc, Rite Foods Limited, Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, Nestlé Nigeria Plc and Unilever Nigeria Plc, among others.