The Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has intensified its environmental enforcement efforts across Ibadan metropolis with the commencement of a 24-hour surveillance operation to curb illegal scavenging activities, alongside the sealing of a food processing facility for environmental violations.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this during an interview in his office, explained that the action is targeted at regulating the activities of metal scavengers, popularly known as “BOLA,” in order to prevent infrastructure vandalism, enhance public safety and promote environmental sustainability across the state.
Hon. Aderinto reiterated that the Ministry has a statutory responsibility to keep Oyo State clean and free from activities that pose environmental and public health hazards, noting that unchecked scavenging has contributed to environmental degradation and insecurity in some parts of the state.
He emphasized that open scavenging is prohibited in Oyo State and assured that the government will not relent in its resolve to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders in line with existing environmental laws. According to the Commissioner violators are liable to penalties including fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, community service and possible jail terms, depending on the severity of the offence.
The Commissioner revealed that, as part of the ongoing enforcement drive, a total of 19 illegal scavengers apprehended within Ibadan metropolis have been prosecuted and fined accordingly based on their respective offences. He further called on members of the public to cooperate with government efforts and desist from obstructing law enforcement officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.
In a related development, Hon. Aderinto disclosed that the Ministry has sealed a food processing facility located within a residential area at Wofun, Ibadan, following findings that its boiler was emitting excessive carbon soot into the environment, thereby contributing to air pollution and posing serious health risks to residents of the surrounding community.
Investigations by officials of the Ministry revealed that the level of emissions from the facility was in clear contravention of established environmental standards and guidelines.
Consequently, the Ministry ordered the immediate sealing of the facility to prevent further environmental degradation and safeguard public health.
The management of the facility has been directed to undertake comprehensive corrective measures, including a technical assessment of the boiler, necessary repairs or upgrades to eliminate harmful emissions and the development of an effective mitigation plan. The facility is also required to submit regular progress reports, while routine inspections will be conducted to monitor compliance.
Hon. Aderinto stressed that the facility will only be reopened after full compliance has been verified by the Ministry’s compliance monitoring team and all unsealing procedures duly followed.
He reaffirmed the Oyo State Government’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection, public health and the preservation of public assets, warning that all individuals and businesses operating within the state must adhere strictly to environmental laws and regulations.
