The Oyo State Government has sealed several residential and commercial complexes across the Ibadan metropolis over illegal waste disposal practices, including the use of unapproved waste collectors, non-compliance with environmental rules, and failure to register with authorised Private Sector Participants (PSP).
The action was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Information and made available to journalists following an inspection exercise led by the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto.
Speaking during the tour, Aderinto said the enforcement followed the directive of Governor Seyi Makinde to sustain a clean, healthy and business-friendly atmosphere across the state.
“Our mandate is clear: to keep Oyo State clean, promote sound public health, enhance productivity, and create an environment that attracts investments and development. That is the reason for today’s enforcement,” the commissioner said.
He said the Pacesetter State must continue to live up to its reputation through lawful behaviour, cleanliness and environmental responsibility, rather than being linked with disorder and environmental damage.
The commissioner disclosed that the inspection team visited Bodija, Sango, Eleyele and Ologuneru, where several facilities were found without waste disposal containers, unwilling to work with accredited PSP operators, or completely unregistered with waste collectors.
Aderinto expressed concern that some facility owners were working with illegal waste collectors who dump refuse in open spaces instead of approved landfill sites, creating threats to public health.
“These illegal collectors collect cheap fees and dump waste in unauthorized locations, causing serious environmental and health challenges. This will no longer be tolerated. Anything that tarnishes the image of Oyo State or undermines the efforts of this administration will be firmly resisted,” he warned.
He cautioned illegal waste collectors to desist from such activities, adding that residents and facility managers facing challenges with PSP operators should report to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources or the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority for prompt action.
The commissioner also revealed that some PSP operators were disengaged the same day for colluding with individuals to breach waste management rules, stressing that sanctions would continue against any operator found guilty.
“If you encounter any issue regarding waste collection or compliance, come to the Ministry. We will guide you appropriately and take necessary action where required. Environmental laws in Oyo State must be obeyed,” he said.
