Nigeria: Oyo State closes Catholic Church for violation of environmental laws

The Oyo State Government has closed Saint Mary Catholic Church in Ibadan for a severe violation of environmental laws. The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Seun Ashamu, explained that the dilapidated state of the church’s toilets caused air pollution and sewage overflow in the surrounding area, contravening state environmental regulations and requiring urgent intervention to prevent potential health hazards. According to Ashamu, authorities received several complaints from residents about the situation, alleging openly that the church discharged human waste into the environment. An official inspection confirmed these allegations, prompting the closure of the church. Ashamu also said that the church did not respect the order of closure issued by authorities, forcefully reopening its premises after they were sealed. It is an illegal action punishable under the state’s environmental laws. The church has been fined ₦500,000 for the infraction. Ashamu pointed out that the government is not against the church, but it is trying to safeguard public health. Therefore, further sanctions may be applied if the church continues to disregard the law and does not properly maintain its premises according to environmental regulations.