The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening environmental management practices in response to the state’s expanding industrial and economic activities.
Governor Dapo Abiodun made the pledge during the opening of the fourth edition of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) Annual Chemical Users and Handlers Workshop themed, “Transforming E-Waste into Opportunity: Circular Economy Solution for Ogun State.”
Represented by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, the governor noted that the concentration of industries across the state had increased the need for proper waste management and environmental protection measures.
He warned that hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and brominated flame retardants, often associated with electronic waste, posed serious threats to public health and the environment when improperly disposed of into soil and waterways.
Abiodun, however, said electronic waste could become a valuable economic resource if properly managed, noting that a single ton of e-waste could contain precious metals worth far more than conventional gold ore deposits, including silver, copper and palladium.
According to him, Ogun State is determined to take responsibility for sustainable e-waste management as part of its environmental protection strategy.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Kafayat Lawal, who represented the commissioner, described the workshop as timely, revealing that Nigeria generates more than half a million tonnes of e-waste annually.
She said Ogun State, being one of Nigeria’s leading industrial hubs, was strategically positioned to transform the challenge into economic opportunity through innovation, job creation and sustainable development.
Lawal cautioned that poor handling of e-waste could contaminate water and soil, while also exposing residents, especially children, to severe health risks.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, disclosed that the agency was collaborating with financial institutions to tackle the growing challenge of e-waste management in the country.
Earlier, the General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, said the workshop was organised to establish a safe, structured and forward-looking framework for e-waste management in the state.
Bello stressed that regulations alone were insufficient, emphasising the need for collaboration, knowledge sharing and adherence to best practices in chemical handling and e-waste recycling.
Responding on behalf of participants, Mr. Daniel Okpe and Mrs. Olujobi Deborah commended the organisers, describing the workshop as enlightening and timely.
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