Ogun Governor Disowns Ministry Of Environment, Says No Accredited Fumigators

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has countered a directive of the Ministry of Environment, asking business owners to pay N95,000 for premises decontamination against the spread of COVID-19.

The state had earlier highlighted the fumigation of workspaces together of the prevention measures when it ordered businesses to resume on June 1.

Meanwhile, the Ministry disclosed the new directive during a letter sent to some organisations within the state. It said the disinfection became necessary to realize a well-sanitized environment for healthy living.

The letter seen by POLITICS NIGERIA was dated 10th of June.

“While the government has administered the disinfection exercise in most public places, owners of personal properties and organizations are directed to likewise do an equivalent for his or her properties, particularly for properties getting used for commercial or industrial purposes where members of the general public patronize,” the letter read.

The accredited fumigators, consistent with the letter, are deployed to affected properties across Ogun, to make sure uniformity.

The breakdown of the sum includes a service fee of N80,000 and Certification fee of N15,000.

The letter further stated those ready for the exercise should pay the fees into a personal checking account , Sekbol & Sons Nig. Enterprises with Gateway Mortgage Bank.

This has however generated controversies as some termed the directive an effort by the government to form financial gains.

However, Governor Abiodun, during a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said there are not any accredited fumigators within the state.

“As a responsible Administration, the fumigation or decontamination requirement was a public health-focused initiative and never intended as a plank for revenue generation by government or a preserve of select service providers.”

“This directive therefore clarifies and indeed supersedes any information which will are erroneously disseminated to the general public by the State Ministry of Environment. For emphasis, there are not any government accredited decontamination service providers,” the Governor was quoted as saying on Thursday evening.

He added that company or business owners are at liberty to interact any competent service provider of its choice for fumigation or decontamination, “provided that the exercise is completed in accordance with the standards that make sure the environment is freed from COVID-19 and other pathogens that are inimical to human health and safety.”

Mr Abiodun also emphasised that the battle against COVID-19 can only be won if all the stakeholders play their roles, reiterating the government’s commitment of providing required leadership and guidelines, the industry placing a premium on the health and safety of their workers