OGWAMA seals Quantum Packaging Nigeria for illegal waste disposal, citing health, environmental violations

NIGERIA – Ogun State Waste Management Authority has sealed Quantum Packaging Nigeria Limited, a paper processing company in Agbara, for operating an illegal dumpsite and burning waste, actions that contravene OGWAMA Law 2020 and the Ogun State Environmental and Public Health Law 2006.

The company was caught after a comprehensive surveillance operation mounted on facilities committing environmental infractions. Faruk Akintunde, Special Adviser to the Governor and Managing Director of OGWAMA, stated that the company was warned after a familiarisation visit where he discovered they dumped waste indiscriminately inside their factory instead of using government-accredited waste collectors. 

Illegal Dumpsite and Health Risks

The surveillance team discovered that the company operated a large dumpsite on a substantial area of land near their factory, where burning was conducted to conceal the illegal activity. 

Akintunde noted that the illegal activities are inimical to the health and well-being of residents, with waste burning being particularly dangerous as it causes health challenges including cancer. 

The company will not be reopened until they shut down the illegal dumpsite and put up a remediation plan to rid the site of all wastes before the state considers unlocking the company. 

The enforcement action highlights the ongoing challenge of waste management compliance in Nigeria’s industrial zones, where manufacturing facilities often lack proper waste disposal infrastructure.

Regulatory Framework and Enforcement

Section 2b(a) of the OGWAMA Law 2020 and the Ogun State Environmental and Public Health Law 2006 prohibit open-air waste burning and unauthorised refuse dumping for all persons. 

Akintunde stated that the state government cannot fold its hands and watch the company degrade the environment and put residents’ lives in danger, emphasising that the government remains friendly to compliant companies operating in the state. 

The case underscores the importance of proper waste management practices for packaging and paper processing companies, which generate significant volumes of industrial waste that require licensed disposal. 

The incident also highlights the regulatory pressure on packaging manufacturers to adopt sustainable waste management practices in line with environmental laws and circular economy principles.

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