Oyo Govt Reopens Sealed Industrial Company In Ibadan

Governance

Oyo Govt Reopens Sealed Industrial Company In Ibadan

22 February

The Oyo State Government yesterday, reopened an industrial company engaging in the recycling of waste tyres to produce pyrolysis oil and carbon black and steel wire as by-products.

Ibadan Media gathered that the company was previously sealed off early this month, by the government over non conformity and adherence to acceptable environmental laws of the state.

Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resource, Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, had in the early hours of yesterday directed that the facility, Shri-Balaji Industry Ltd, be unsealed.

He said the ministry recently held a tripartite meeting with the facility owner and the leadership of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), over the action plans submitted by the management of Shri-Balaji Industry Ltd.

According to the commissioner, “the action plans, which the trio of the ministry, Shri-Balaji Industry Ltd and Manufacturing Association of Nigeria unanimously accepted and agreed upon, include provision of medical retainership for workers and regular check-up, provision of pollution abatement systems and scrubbers, including raising the heights of exhaust systems and reconfiguration of production systems for pollution reduction and cleaner production process.

“Provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for workers, adequate storage of the carbon black within a bund wall with shelter to prevent indiscriminate escape of leachate and encourage cleanliness, rehabilitation of oil water separators, improved aesthetic and sanitation, submission of environmental audit reports and monthly environmental reports.”

Mogbonjubola reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde administration to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all.

He urged facility owners to ensure compliance with the state and national environmental laws.

Shri-Balaji Industry paid about N1.5million to the state government’s coffers for the sanction and N200,000 to unseal the facility, while the consultant paid a fine of N500,000 for negligence of duty, to guide the facility into compliance.

Reacting to the reopening of the facility, the General Manager of Shri-Balaji, Mr. Razaq, thanked the government for showing optimal understanding and kind gesture towards the company, which would allow its workers to resume duty.