Assessment of Health and Environmental Challenges of Cement Factory on Ewekoro Community Residents, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The impacts of industrialization on socio-economic development cannot be over emphasized, but so are the negative consequences. This paper examines the health and environmental challenges of Ewekoro Cement Industry on the physical environment of the surrounding settlement of Ewekoro, Ogun State. This was with a view to providing sustainable solution to the negative impact of large scale industries in an emerging economy like Nigeria. The study involved empirical observation and interview of residents of the area. About 200 questionnaires were administered randomly on workers and residents, out of which 172 were returned. These were analysed using simple tables. The study confirms extensive incidence of land, air, and noise pollution over and above recommended minimum limits. It also discovers lack of substantial compliance with the principle of environmental integrity sustainability and National Environmental Standard Regulation Authority (NESRA) in terms of environmental resource protection. The study recommends that, for Nigeria to maximize benefits of industrialization and minimize its negative effects, a tripartite arrangement that involves, the industry, the community and the government must be involved in environmental monitoring and protection.