Lagos govt seals Ojota chemical factories over safety, environmental violations

The Lagos State Safety Commission, LSC, has sealed a number of chemical factories and shops in the Ojota area for breaching safety and environmental regulations.

The Commission announced the development in a statement to journalists, explaining that the weekend enforcement operation, led by its Director-General, Mr Lanre Mojola, was in line with the Lagos State Safety Commission Law of 2011.

Mojola stated that the affected facilities were shutdown after operators repeatedly ignored agreed safety measures, despite receiving several warnings and the expiration of a grace period.

He explained that prior inspections were carried out at the factories, followed by meetings with the chemical dealers’ executives. During the engagements, the operators signed a letter of undertaking on May 9, 2025, committing to implement specific safety protocols.

These commitments included conducting a comprehensive safety audit of the market, organising hazard identification and risk assessment workshops, equipping shops with functional fire extinguishers, and maintaining a detailed and updated inventory of chemicals, including their expiry dates.

Other agreed measures were the mandatory use of personal protective equipment, installation of clear safety signage and chemical labels, provision of Safety Data Sheets, and the development of disaster management and business continuity plans.

“Despite the expiration of the ultimatum, the chemical dealers failed to honour the agreements reached with the Commission. This left us with no option but to seal the facilities to safeguard lives and property,” Mojola said.

He added that the sealed premises would remain closed until the operators fully complied with the required safety standards.

Mojola also cautioned manufacturers and business owners across Lagos to adopt proactive safety practices to avoid similar enforcement actions.