LASEPA Reopens 6 Steel Companies After Environmental Compliance

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reopened six iron and steel manufacturing companies in Odogunyan, Ikorodu, after confirming they had addressed environmental violations that led to their closure.

The companies were unsealed following a comprehensive compliance assessment that verified they had implemented corrective measures to meet the agency’s environmental standards.

The affected firms — African Steel Mills Ltd, Pulkit Alloy & Steel Limited, LandCraft Industries Ltd, Sunflag Steel Nigeria Ltd, Gemini Steel Nigeria Ltd, and Top Steel Nigeria Ltd — were initially sealed on Monday during LASEPA’s enforcement operation across the Ikorodu Industrial Corridor after air quality monitoring detected elevated pollution levels.

Speaking during the reopening, LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the enforcement action was triggered by real-time air quality data that revealed significant environmental concerns.

According to him, inspectors identified emissions of brown dust, black dust, mill scale, shredded dust, dead dust and other non-metallic particulate matter, all of which pose serious risks to air quality, public health and the environment.

Ajayi explained that LASEPA operates strategically located air quality monitoring devices across Lagos, with the collected data publicly accessible.

Before reopening the facilities, the agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the affected companies, committing them to full compliance with environmental regulations and operational guidelines.

Under the agreement, the firms are required to install and maintain effective filtration systems on their furnaces to reduce emissions and ensure proper management and disposal of industrial waste in line with LASEPA-approved standards.

Ajayi added that LASEPA has stationed a permanent technical team within the Odogunyan Industrial Corridor to provide guidance and monitor compliance.

He warned that prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) could lead to respiratory illnesses and other serious health complications, noting that the agency’s intervention had already led to a significant reduction in emissions and potential health risks to nearby residents.

He reaffirmed LASEPA’s commitment to continuous surveillance and enforcement to ensure industrial activities do not endanger host communities.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Zonal Head of Ikorodu I, Engr. Taiwo Olumuyiwa, urged the companies to strengthen their environmental management systems by adopting international best practices to reduce emissions and improve waste management.

Olumuyiwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to working with industries while maintaining strict enforcement to promote a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.