The Oyo State Government has intensified environmental enforcement across Ibadan with the launch of a 24-hour surveillance operation aimed at curbing illegal scavenging and addressing environmental violations.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said the enforcement targets metal scavengers, popularly known as “BOLA,” whose activities have been linked to infrastructure vandalism and environmental degradation.
He stated that the Ministry has a statutory duty to maintain a clean and safe environment, stressing that open scavenging is prohibited under existing environmental laws in Oyo State.
Aderinto warned that offenders risk penalties including fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, community service or possible imprisonment depending on the severity of their offences.
According to him, 19 illegal scavengers arrested during recent operations within Ibadan have already been prosecuted and fined accordingly. He urged residents to cooperate with officials and avoid obstructing enforcement activities.
In a related development, the Ministry sealed a food processing facility in the Wofun area of Ibadan after investigations revealed excessive carbon soot emissions from its boiler.
Officials said the emissions violated established environmental standards and posed health risks to nearby residents, prompting the government to order the facility’s immediate closure.
The facility’s management has been directed to carry out technical assessments, implement corrective measures and submit compliance reports before any approval for reopening is granted. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to environmental protection and public health.
