Ogun govt links flooding, gas emission to poor waste disposal
Ogun State Government Addresses Flooding and Environmental Risks from Industrial Waste Disposal
The Ogun State Government has identified improper industrial waste disposal as a significant contributor to flooding and greenhouse gas emissions. Officials have raised alarms over the indiscriminate dumping of waste and open burning, which they say exacerbate climate and environmental challenges.
In a statement, the government revealed that Nigeria generates more than 35 million tons of solid waste annually, with Ogun State responsible for over one million tons. A considerable portion of this waste originates from industrial activities.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Environment Commissioner Dr. Ola Oresanya, addressed the issue on Wednesday during the 3rd Annual Workshop on Industrial Waste Management, organized by the Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) in Abeokuta.
Dr. Oresanya emphasized that the waste being dumped into drainage channels is contributing to increased flooding, while open burning and inefficient resource use are driving environmental degradation. He spoke under the theme, “Beyond Compliance: Embedding Circular Economy Principles and Innovation into Industrial Waste Management in Ogun State,” noting its relevance and importance.
“The relationship between waste management and climate change requires our attention,” Dr. Oresanya stated. “Improper waste disposal, open burning, and inefficient use of resources lead to environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions, while waste in drainage channels aggravates flooding.”
The governor asserted that industrial development must align with environmental stewardship. He indicated that investment is encouraged but must adhere to environmental regulations that protect public health and community safety.
Dr. Oresanya also mentioned that the State Policy on Climate Change is currently undergoing a review with stakeholders and will create a coordinated framework for low-carbon industrial development and a circular economy.
He highlighted several ongoing initiatives, including the Blue Box Initiative, launched in 2025 to promote household waste segregation, and an expansion of recycling depots across the three senatorial districts. Additionally, the Plastic for Cash Programme targets women, youth, and low-income households to encourage recycling efforts.
Ogun State, which has the highest concentration of industrial recycling facilities in Nigeria, processes approximately 2,000 metric tons of plastic each day. The state is also formalizing efforts to recover e-waste through collection hubs located in Agbara, Sagamu, and Ota.
Moreover, Ogun has been designated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) as a key participant in the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment waste circular economy project, further solidifying its status as Nigeria’s recycling capital.
Dr. Oresanya urged industrial operators to ensure safe storage of hazardous materials, maintain effective effluent treatment facilities, and collaborate with accredited waste operators to promote compliance.
Farouk Adeniyi Akintunde, Special Adviser and Managing Director of OGWAMA, reported that the authority has refurbished old compactors, acquired new units, and settled outstanding debts to Private Sector Participants (PSP) to enhance industrial waste collection services.
However, Akintunde cautioned that some industries continue to under-declare waste volumes, engage in illegal burning practices, and operate unregistered dump sites, all in violation of Section 27 of the OGWAMA Law 2020. He emphasized that violators will face penalties.
He encouraged industries to adopt waste audits, implement segregation at the source, and participate in industrial symbiosis where waste from one facility becomes raw material for another, thus reducing pollution, alleviating flooding, and generating revenue.
