ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has mediated in a dispute between Monarch Steel Mill Limited and the Olorunsogo Ipetoro Community Development Association (CDA) in Ogijo, Sagamu Local Government Area, following complaints over the company’s proposed expansion.
The intervention followed a petition submitted by the Chairman of the community, Mr. Michael Bilesanmi, who raised concerns about the company’s expansion plans and the acquisition of properties within the community.
The petition urged OGEPA to investigate the manner in which Monarch Steel Mill Limited was acquiring properties as part of its expansion, with residents expressing fears over the impact of the exercise on the community.
In response, the General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, convened a stakeholders’ meeting involving representatives of the company and the community to address the issues through dialogue.
Speaking during the meeting, Bello stressed the need for proper industrial planning, noting that industries should be situated within designated industrial zones. He added that environmental sustainability and the welfare of host communities must remain central to industrial development.
He explained that the proposed expansion involved the establishment of a buffer zone designed to ensure that the company’s operations do not negatively affect residents and other developed areas within the community.
Bello further emphasised that while companies have the right to expand their operations, such expansion must comply with environmental regulations and respect the rights of residents and property owners.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders resolved that Monarch Steel Mill Limited must not compel any resident to sell his or her property. It was agreed that only property owners willing to sell should be considered in the acquisition process.
The parties also agreed that the community’s electricity transformer should be relocated within the company’s premises, while an access gate would be provided to ensure both the community and the company have unrestricted access to the facility. The company was also directed to undertake the repair of the transformer.
Representatives of both the community and Monarch Steel Mill Limited unanimously accepted the resolutions, expressing optimism that the agreements would promote peaceful coexistence, safeguard residents’ interests and ensure that industrial activities are carried out in an environmentally responsible manner.
