The Commissioner for Environment in Ogun State, Ola Oresanya, has said over 1,200 metric tonnes of paper are recycled daily in the state.
Oresanya disclosed this at a seminar organised by the National Environmental Standard Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV), with the theme, “Partnership for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling”.
He said, “There are 620 large industries in Ogun, and over 1,200 metric tonnes of recycling in paper production per day, both ferrous and non-ferrous generate 1,400 metric tonnes on a daily basis, but for every recycling, there are consequences borne by communities where the recycling industries are situated.
“A lot of technology is required to reduce risks and hazardous emissions generated from recycling. If we must develop the economy, then we must also put in measures to protect human lives.”
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Oresanya said that with the highest number of recycling industries in the state, the negative practice had caused hazardous effects on the lives of residents, adding that the state had four policies guiding businesses which must be strictly adhered to for the benefit of all.
In his keynote address, the Director General of NESREA, Prof Aliu Jauro, represented by the Director, Inspection and Enforcement, Mr Isa Abdulsalam, said the federal government and the organisation were in partnership with Alliance for Responsible Battery Recycling and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and adherence to policies to reduce emissions and maintain the integrity of the ecosystem.
