By Adenike Lawal
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has closed 619 facilities, including worship centers, hotels, and various businesses, for environmental violations in 2024, reinforcing its commitment to strict enforcement of environmental laws.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the General Manager of LASEPA, revealed during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, that 528 of these closures were due to noise pollution, highlighting the agency’s intensified focus on tackling this issue.
In total, LASEPA conducted 352 enforcement operations throughout the year, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
These operations targeted a wide range of facilities, including households, hotels, and places of worship, under the framework of the 2017 Environmental Management and Protection Law.
Dr. Ajayi also shared several achievements for the agency in 2024.
These included the launch of the Lagos State Carbon Registry during the September Sustainability Summit, aimed at tracking carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.
Additionally, the agency expanded its air quality monitoring efforts by installing 20 new monitors, bringing the total to 43 across the state.
To combat air pollution, LASEPA also introduced energy-efficient kilns for bakeries. Furthermore, advancements were made in digitalization, including enhanced laboratory services and streamlined processes for technical reporting and permit issuance.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Ajayi emphasized plans to strengthen advocacy for environmental awareness and tighten enforcement of regulations.
This will include more aggressive actions against noise pollution and stricter enforcement of anti-smoking laws through the establishment of designated smoking and non-smoking zones.
LASEPA will also focus on promoting responsible waste management in collaboration with authorized disposal bodies.
Additionally, the agency plans to expand its complaints center and improve digital communication channels to address public grievances more efficiently.
There will also be an increase in academic publications and public awareness campaigns to foster greater environmental consciousness among residents.
