Pioneer Commissioner for Environment, Ogun State

Ogun State's Ministry of Environment was established in 2003, taking over environmental management responsibilities previously handled by other state agencies. Tony Ojeshina was appointed as the ministry's pioneer Commissioner for Environment under the administration of Governor Gbenga Daniel, a post he held for four years, from 2003 to 2007. Though reconfirmed for a second term, he chose not to accept it given the demand for his consulting services from multinational oil companies, multilateral organizations, and funding agencies.

As pioneer Commissioner, he was responsible for establishing the new ministry and its structure from scratch — developing and defending before the State Legislature the law that established it, and writing the guidelines, rules, and regulations that governed it.

In public commentary since, Ojeshina has pointed to poor urban planning, blocked drainage systems, indiscriminate refuse disposal, and weak enforcement of environmental regulation — alongside broader climate change — as the drivers of avoidable flood damage in Nigerian communities.

Accomplishments as Commissioner (2003–2007)

• Developed the law establishing the Ministry of Environment and defended it before the State Legislature for enactment.
• Developed a Community Based Waste Management Program that changed the face of major cities across Ogun State.
• Received a National Cleanest City Award for Abeokuta in 2005.
• Received a National award from the Federal Government on Innovative Indigenous Technology in 2006, based on the Community Based Waste Management Program.
• Designed and managed an unprecedented number of flood and gully erosion remediation projects.
• Conceived and established structures including Environmental Marshals and the Gotta Gang.
• Conceived and established an Environmental Management Committee (EMC) linking Government, industry, and commerce.
• Established an Environmental Management Fund (EMF), pooling contributions from industry, commerce, and Government, and managed by the EMC to finance environmental projects.
• Established a corporate assistance and sponsorship program for the beautification of major cities.

Most flooding in Nigeria is largely man-made. God created the Earth perfectly, but human activities and our failure to do what is necessary have created these environmental problems. Governments should not wait until disasters occur before taking action.

Platform Times, July 2026

Policy Priorities