By Jelili Gbadamosi
Ogun State authorities have shut down Quantum Packaging Nigeria Limited over alleged illegal waste disposal and open burning of refuse at its facility along Lusada-Igbesa Road in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area.
The Ogun State Waste Management Authority (OGWAMA) sealed the paper processing company following surveillance that reportedly uncovered an unauthorised dumpsite operated on a large expanse of land near the factory.
Special Adviser to the Governor and Managing Director of OGWAMA, Farouk Akintunde, disclosed the development on Monday, saying the company’s activities violated state environmental laws prohibiting indiscriminate dumping and open-air burning of waste.
Akintunde said the authority had earlier warned the company after discovering that it was dumping refuse within its premises instead of engaging government-accredited waste collectors.
He explained that subsequent monitoring revealed that the company had allegedly established a large illegal dumpsite where waste was also being burnt.
According to him, the government was compelled to seal the facility after the company allegedly failed to comply with the earlier warning.
Akintunde warned that indiscriminate waste disposal and open burning pose serious risks to public health and the environment, adding that the government would not allow businesses to engage in activities capable of endangering residents.
He said Quantum Packaging Nigeria Limited would remain shut until it closes the illegal dumpsite and submits a remediation plan for the proper removal and management of the accumulated waste.
