_Company cites Nigeria, global laws; says pollution must stop_
_By Bolaji Ayodele
OTA | 11th September, 2026_
The Management of Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Ltd, a leading member of Sona Group of Industries, a major manufacturing conglomerate in Nigeria, has called for urgent intervention from the Ogun State and Federal Government over persistent air and water pollution allegedly emanating from Daraju Industries Ltd, Tower Aluminium Ltd and Federated Steel Co. Ltd. in the Ogun State Housing Corporation Estate, Ota.
The company’s Director of Corporate Affairs and Strategy, Soji Fagbemi said the pollution, ongoing since 2023, has allegedly caused respiratory problems, equipment damage, rising operational costs and an hindrance to Best Manufacturing Practices.
“We are not against industrialization. We are glad that companies are operating and contributing to the economic development of Ota and Ogun State, but it must not come at the cost of human lives,” Fagbemi said. “They release these pollutants mostly at night. Our Expatriates, Nigerians and workers on Night Shifts inhale it. This can cause organ-related sicknesses.”
He showed journalists videos of foamy wastewater flowing on the internal roads and gutters during rains allegedly caused by Caustic Soda emissions from Daraju, which fly and settle on our roofs and walls of our factory. Also, dangerous fumes from Tower Aluminium and Federated Industries smelting plants.
Our reporters also spoke with some homeowners, residents, workers and traders in the vicinity. They confirmed complaints of thick smoke and foul odour, especially at night.
“At night we can’t breathe well. Our children are always coughing,” a resident said.
Euro Global said it had engaged the polluting companies, MAN Ogun State Branch, and Ogun State Housing Corporation with little result. Letters were also sent to the Ministry of Environment on 31/07/2023, 26/10/2023 and 19/08/2026. Even today, 10th of September, two separate letters were despatched to both the Permanent Secretary and the Honourable Commissioner of Environment, Ogun State.
When contacted, Daraju’s HR Manager, Mrs. Bunmi, declined to comment because, according to her, Euro Global Food and Distillery Ltd had summoned them to court. Our reporters were not attended to at the other companies to hear their side of the story.
To ascertain the truth, our reporter revisited Euro Global Food and Distillers Ltd to confirmed if the matter is on litigation.
The company debunked claims that it had gone to court.
“As part of our engagements, we only asked our Solicitors to write the polluting companies to desist and present an action plan to mitigate these environmental nuisances. Going to court would be our last resort. We are neighbours, members of the same Manufacturing Family, employers of labour and business partners, that would be our last option if all these peaceful engagements fail.” Fagbemi stated.
Mr Soji Fagbemi cited the Legal backing prompting these engagements:
1. *National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations, 2014* – mandates industries to control emissions of PM, SO2, CO and other pollutants.
2. *Ogun State Environmental Law, 2019* – prohibits discharge of substances that may cause air, land or water pollution.
3. *NESREA Act, 2007* – empowers NESREA to enforce environmental standards.
4. *International Law*: _Stockholm Declaration 1972 Principle 1_ and _WHO Air Quality Guidelines_ – recognize the right to a clean, healthy and safe environment.
The company is demanding an independent air-quality test, investigation, and enforcement of pollution-control measures.
Environmental experts warn that long-term exposure to PM, SO2 and CO can cause chronic lung and heart disease
Attached are the videos and photos of the pollutions taking by the Euro Global Food and Distillery and letters written to the appropriate authorities.
On a new development, we have been informed that the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State, Dr Ola Oresanya, has invited the Euro Global Team for a meeting at the State Secretariat , Oke Mosan for Wednesday, 16th September, 2026 with a view of collection further information on this matter.
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