Commissioner commends industrial compliance, orders traders to vacate hazardous locations.
The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, public safety and sustainable development through continuous monitoring of industrial facilities and the enforcement of environmental regulations across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adams, made the commitment during separate inspection visits to a rubber processing factory and Egor Market in Benin City.During the inspection of the rubber processing facility, Adams said the exercise was aimed at assessing the company’s compliance with environmental standards and reassuring host communities that its operations do not pose a threat to public health or the environment.
According to the Commissioner, the inspection revealed substantial compliance with environmental regulations, although some minor deficiencies were identified and management was directed to address them promptly.
“So far, what we have seen is commendable. There are a few discrepancies which we have asked the management to regularize. There is substantial compliance with environmental standards and regulations, but there is still strong room for improvement,” he said.
Adams noted that the state government remains committed to supporting industrial growth while ensuring that companies operate responsibly and in accordance with environmental laws. He added that industries found with minor infractions would continue to receive guidance from the ministry to improve compliance.
The Commissioner also advised the company to strengthen measures aimed at further reducing odour emissions from its processing operations in order to minimise any environmental impact on neighbouring communities.
Responding, the Chairman and Owner of the factory, Dr. Caesar Osaheni Iyayi, commended the ministry for the inspection, describing it as a constructive exercise that would help improve the company’s environmental performance.He disclosed that the company had invested significantly in emission control through the installation of a 900-degree Celsius incinerator, which has substantially reduced odour emissions from the factory.
Dr. Iyayi assured the government that all recommendations made during the inspection would be implemented while reaffirming the company’s commitment to maintaining high environmental standards and contributing to Edo State’s industrial and economic development.In a separate visit to Egor Market, the Commissioner inspected the site of a recent incident involving traders operating beneath high-tension electricity cables.
Expressing gratitude that no lives were lost, Adams described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with trading under high-tension power lines.
He observed that several traders had erected stalls and makeshift structures beneath the electricity corridor and along access roads, exposing themselves and members of the public to avoidable risks.
The Commissioner directed all affected traders to immediately vacate the high-tension corridor and roadside trading areas and relocate to designated market spaces. He also stressed the need to keep access roads free of obstruction to improve traffic flow and enhance public safety.
He further urged traders to maintain proper sanitation within the market, noting that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
According to the Commissioner, the traders welcomed the government’s intervention, agreed to relocate from the high-tension corridor and pledged to maintain a cleaner market environment.
Adams reaffirmed that the Edo State Government would continue to enforce environmental and public safety regulations to protect lives and property while promoting sustainable development across the state.
