Oyo steps up environmental compliance with industrial facility reopening

By Bushrah Adeshina, Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has announced the reopening of an industrial company that specialises in recycling waste tyres to produce Pyrolysis oil, Carbon Black, and Steel Wire as by-products.

The company, Shri-Balaji Industry Limited, was previously sealed due to its failure to comply with the state’s environmental laws.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resource, Architect Abdulmojeed Olawale Mogbonjubola, issued the directive to unseal the facility earlier today.

This decision comes after the company demonstrated its commitment to adhering to acceptable environmental standards.The reopening of Shri-Balaji Industry Limited is a significant step towards promoting sustainable waste management practices in Oyo State.

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry had recently held a tripartite meeting with the facility owner, and the leadership of the Manufacturing Association Of Nigeria (M.A.N), over the Action Plans submitted by the management of Shri-Balaji Industry Limited.

According to the Commissioner, “The Action Plans which the trio of the Ministry, Shri-Balaji Industry Limited and Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), unanimously accepted and agreed upon includes the immediate provisions of medical retainership for all workers and regular checkup, provision of pollution abatement systems and scrubbers including raising the heights of exhaust systems and reconfiguration of production systems for pollution reduction and cleaner production process, provision of appropriate personal protective equipment for all workers.

“Also, adequate storage of the carbon black within a bund wall with shelter to prevent indiscriminate escape of leachate and encourage cleanliness, rehabilitation of oil water separators, improved aesthetic and sanitation, submission of Environmental audit reports and monthly environmental reports.”

Architect Mogbonjubola, reaffirmed the commitment of the State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde to ensuring a safe and conducive environment for all, charged facility owners to ensure compliance to the State and National Environmental laws.

Meanwhile, Shri-Balaji Industry, paid about One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira to the State Government coffers for the sanction and Two Hundred Thousand Naira to unseal the facility, while the Consultant paid a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Naira only for negligence of duty to guide the facility into compliance.

The reopened facility was further given a time-line, in stages to work on completing the Action Plans which should be improved upon going forward.

While reacting to the reopening of the facility, the General Manager of Shri-Balaji, Mr Razaq appreciated the Oyo State Government for showing optimal understanding and good gesture towards the company, which would allow its workers to immediately resume duty.