GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO LEAD POISONING CRISES IN OGUN STATE

The Ogun State Government has vowed to shut down factories across the state following the alarming spread of lead poisoning. This decision was made known on Thursday during a discussion with the Commissioner for the Environment on Sunrise daily channel, Mr Ola Oresanya, who addressed the situation affecting various parts of the state. It was stated during the discussion that this is not the first time the State is dealing with issues related to lead contamination, and shut down of factories but, Mr. Oresanya claimed this to be different as all factories will be shut down till the matter is resolved. 

According to Mr Oresanya, the government is currently working on closing all recycling factories, including those complying with regulations and those not complying. He explained that the government aimed at establishing the facts surrounding the spread of lead poisoning. As part of this effort, over 500 people will be tested as against the 70 people tested earlier to ensure that accurate information is shared with the public and the global community in order to validate the alarming news already circulating stating that “if it's true, then it will made known to the public and if it's not true, they will clarify the rumor”. 

In addition, he stated their effort in informing the federal government to put a hold on the exportation of materials until they can distinguish between compliant and non-compliant companies and also to hinder other factories that are not registered but are also into this business. Likewise to address the concerns raised by the reports released so far. Additionally, he stated that some factories might not open again after the audition, while those who comply will continue with their business because people need to keep their jobs and must be done in a proper way.

Mr Oresanya assured the public that the audit results can be trusted, noting that the process has involved academia from various University sectors, the Ministry of Health, a professor of toxicology, the World Health Organisation, and the media, making the exercise transparent and above board despite public propaganda.

The Commissioner also stated how these circumstances could have been prevented if there had been early knowledge about regulatory control. The discussion also highlighted that the matter is not a regional matter but a National concern in which other states and necessary bodies have been carried along to ensure the Nation is preserved as a whole.