The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reopened six iron and steel manufacturing companies in the Odogunyan Industrial Corridor of Ikorodu after confirming that they had complied with environmental regulations that led to their closure. The companies—African Steel Mills Ltd., Pulkit Alloy and Steel Ltd., LandCraft Industries Ltd., Sunflag Steel Nigeria Ltd., Gemini Steel Nigeria Ltd., and Top Steel Nigeria Ltd.—were sealed on July 27 following the discovery of serious environmental violations during an enforcement operation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, said the decision to lift the enforcement order followed a comprehensive compliance assessment which confirmed that the affected firms had taken corrective actions. The companies were initially sanctioned after investigations revealed emissions of brown and black dust, mill scale, shredded dust and other particulate pollutants capable of endangering air quality, public health and the environment.
Ajayi disclosed that LASEPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the companies before allowing them to resume operations. Under the agreement, the firms are required to comply fully with environmental laws, install and maintain efficient filtration systems to reduce emissions, properly manage industrial waste and implement all corrective measures outlined by the agency to ensure environmentally responsible operations.
He explained that the enforcement action was prompted by data from LASEPA’s real-time air quality monitoring network, which detected unusually high pollution levels in the Odogunyan Industrial Corridor. According to him, the agency immediately deployed enforcement teams to investigate after the monitoring system flagged abnormal emissions. He added that LASEPA’s technical team has been permanently stationed in the area to provide guidance and ensure strict compliance with environmental standards.
Ajayi warned that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could lead to respiratory illnesses and other health complications but noted that the agency’s intervention had already resulted in a noticeable reduction in emissions. He reaffirmed LASEPA’s commitment to continuous monitoring and enforcement to protect the health and wellbeing of residents in host communities.
Also speaking, the newly appointed Zonal Head of Ikorodu I, Mr. Taiwo Olumuyiwa, urged the companies to strengthen their environmental management systems by adopting international best practices, cleaner production methods, improved waste management and lower emission levels to support a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.
