Segun Atanda/
On July 27, 2024, a crucial meeting between the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) and the state’s accredited environmental laboratories ended in a deadlock over proposed analysis tariffs.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the meeting, held at the Conference Hall, Block B, brought together key stakeholders including the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, Special Adviser to the Governor on OGEPA, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, and directors of OGEPA, along with representatives from seven of the accredited laboratories. Notably, three laboratories were absent.
Oresanya opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in environmental analysis and compliance. He reminded the laboratories of their obligations, including the payment of royalties to the agency. After his opening remarks, he handed over the proceedings to Dr. Kehinde to discuss the development and publication of a new analysis tariff, which would include both lab fees and OGEPA fees.
However, the meeting quickly turned contentious when Dr. Kehinde sought to assess the total number of tests conducted by each lab since their accreditation in May 2023. The Special Adviser indicated that this data was necessary for OGEPA to estimate the laboratories’ indebtedness based on a percentage of their revenues. This proposition was met with strong opposition from the lab representatives, who denied any agreement regarding such payments and refused to acknowledge any indebtedness to OGEPA.
The situation escalated when it was revealed that there was no formal agreement involving a lead consultant to onboard the labs, as claimed by Dr. Kehinde. The laboratory representatives, backed by OGEPA’s own directors, argued that the accreditation they received was valid for two years and could not be arbitrarily truncated or burdened with additional financial obligations.
Dr. Kehinde, visibly frustrated, threatened to de-accredit any laboratory that did not comply with his proposal and warned that he would advise industries and consultants to boycott non-compliant labs. The laboratories, however, stood their ground, cautioning that any attempt to impose such tariffs would exacerbate the financial struggles of industries and lead to significant resistance from stakeholders across the state.
Despite lengthy discussions, no agreement was reached, leaving the meeting in a stalemate. The proposed analysis tariff remains undeveloped, with the laboratories refusing to accept any additional financial burdens without a justifiable cause.
The impasse highlights growing tensions between OGEPA and the accredited laboratories, raising concerns about the future of environmental compliance and analysis standards in Ogun State.
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