Ogun Takes Action for a Cleaner Environment: Community Service Introduced for Waste Offenders

Table of Contents

• New Measures Against Dumping Refuse
• Refined Enforcement Strategy
• Governor's Commitment to Environmental Management
• Addressing Noise Pollution
• Daily Sanitation Responsibility
• Safety Compliance Inspections
• Community Involvement and Support

The Ogun State Government has declared that residents found dumping waste on the roads will henceforth face arrest, undergo compassionate correction, and be assigned community service as a form of punishment.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, made this announcement while addressing members of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council during their fourth quarterly meeting, which took place at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Oresanya emphasized that the law prohibits the disposal of waste on roadways, clarifying that streets are not intended to be dump sites. He indicated that residents should place their waste in front of their homes for Private Sector Participants (PSPs) to collect directly from their doorsteps.

He disclosed that the state government is enhancing its enforcement strategy by moving away from monetary fines to alleviate financial burdens on citizens. Instead, offenders will be mandated to perform community service.

According to him, Governor Dapo Abiodun is profoundly concerned about environmental management in the state and is making substantial investments in new equipment to bolster the Ministry of Environment’s operations.

“Under no circumstances should you dump waste on the road. OGWAMA has the authority to arrest offenders, and those apprehended will be required to perform community service.
We will correct with kindness. You will sweep the road and collect waste. When people see you doing this, they will understand the consequences, and you will not return to the same behavior,” he stated.

Oresanya further mentioned that Governor Abiodun has approved the acquisition of brand-new trucks for both OGWAMA and the private waste sector to enhance waste management throughout the state.

Regarding noise pollution, the Commissioner revealed that the ministry has closed several religious centers and other establishments found to be breaching noise regulations.

He encouraged residents to report such disturbances through the ministry’s dedicated helpline: 09010480056.

He also stressed that sanitation should be a daily duty rather than a monthly event. He noted that Section 6 of the Constitution empowers Local Government Health Officers to inspect homes, ensure bins are not overflowing, and take action against non-compliant households.

Additionally, Oresanya announced that safety consultants from the ministry are inspecting gas plants across the state to ensure adherence to safety standards, with substandard facilities set to be shut down soon.

Praising the ministry’s recent intervention in Ogijo, Chief (Mrs.) Iyabo Apampa urged the Commissioner to also tackle air pollution and the indiscriminate parking of trailers around Ibese and Papalanto, where cement factories operate.

Hon. Samuel Olubunmi Dada urged sanitary officers in the Local Governments to fulfill their responsibilities, while encouraging residents to prioritize cleanliness and proper waste disposal.

Chairman of the Governor’s Elders Advisory Council, Chief Olu Okuboyejo, commended the state government’s initiatives in waste management and agricultural development.

He also described the 2026 Budget of Sustainable Legacy, recently presented by Governor Abiodun, as a well-structured roadmap for a prosperous new year.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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