Analysis of Environmental Management Practices in Nigerian Synthetic Fibre Production Companies

Synthetic fibre production involves the use of petroleum-derived polymer feedstocks, solvents, and chemical auxiliaries that generate gaseous emissions, liquid effluents, and solid polymer waste with significant environmental management implications. This study analyses the environmental management practices of three synthetic fibre production companies operating in the Lagos-Sagamu industrial corridor, South West Nigeria, evaluating the adequacy of their environmental management systems against ISO 14001 framework requirements. Document reviews of environmental management plans, environmental impact assessment reports, and emissions monitoring records were conducted. Site inspections assessed physical infrastructure for waste management, effluent treatment, and air emission control. Environmental performance data from a 24-month monitoring period were analysed to characterise compliance with permissible limits for effluent discharge and air emissions as specified by national environmental standards. Results reveal that one facility maintained a certified ISO 14001 environmental management system and consistently met all monitored discharge parameters. The remaining two facilities operated partial environmental management systems with significant gaps in air emission monitoring, hazardous waste documentation, and emergency spill response planning. Effluent chemical oxygen demand compliance was achieved by all three facilities for liquid discharge, but volatile organic compound emissions from drying operations exceeded permissible limits at one facility. The study recommends ISO 14001 certification as a target for all synthetic fibre producers in South West Nigeria, regulatory capacity building for national environmental standards and regulations enforcement agency inspectors, and investment in closed-loop solvent recovery systems to address volatile organic compound emission exceedances. Keywords: environmental management, synthetic fibre production, ISO 14001, Lagos, air emissions