In a bid to enforce global environmental standards, the Ogun State Government has closed down Tera Aqua Environmental Consult in Sango Ota for serious environmental infractions.
Farook Akintunde, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment and Chairman of the Task Force on Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, disclosed that the company was found guilty of operating under harmful, substandard conditions, particularly through its production processes involving burning of tyres, which had negative impacts on the environment and residents.
The company was also held responsible for the continuous release of noxious gases, untreated wastewater, and suspended particles into the environment, leading to serious environmental infractions and protests by residents.
Investigation revealed that the company operated without necessary environmental approvals and environmental impact assessment, contravening the state government’s guidelines and committing serious environmental offenses.
Akintunde emphasized the government's commitment to upholding environmental regulations and guidelines, stating that the company would remain shut until these issues were resolved. He also warned other companies to comply with environmental laws to avoid similar actions, as the government prioritizes residents' well-being over financial gains.
Responding to the closure, Obanla Abel, Vice Chairman of Riverview Community on Excellence Estate, expressed gratitude to the state government for addressing the hardships caused by the company's operations, which included the release of noxious gases and untreated wastewater into the environment.
