LASEPA marks 30 years of protecting Lagos environment

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, pollution control and sustainable environmental management as it celebrates 30 years of promoting a cleaner, safer and healthier environment in Lagos State.

In a post shared on its X handle on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Tajudeen-Gaji, stated this at a press conference marking the agency’s 30th anniversary, describing the milestone as an opportunity to reflect on its contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Tajudeen-Gaji commended LASEPA for its achievements in combating environmental pollution, particularly noise and air pollution, noting that the agency had played an important role in improving environmental standards across the state.

He stressed the need for residents and business operators to embrace environmental compliance through continuous awareness and constructive engagement rather than waiting for enforcement actions or abatement notices.

“Environmental compliance should not be driven solely by enforcement. Individuals and business operators must understand the importance of adhering to environmental regulations without waiting until abatement notices are issued,” he said.

The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, described the anniversary as a significant milestone in the agency’s history, providing an opportunity to assess its achievements and recognise its contributions to improving the quality of life of Lagos residents.

He said the agency had recorded considerable progress over the past three decades in strengthening environmental regulations, improving pollution monitoring systems and expanding its operational capacity to address emerging environmental challenges.

According to him, LASEPA’s major areas of intervention include noise pollution control, air quality management, industrial pollution monitoring and regulatory enforcement.

Ajayi explained that the agency had continued to adapt its operations to the challenges associated with Lagos State’s rapid urbanisation and growing population.

He also highlighted the introduction of an online reporting portal through which residents can report environmental violations and monitor the progress of their complaints.

“Residents can now report environmental violations and track their complaints through our online portal, making environmental reporting more accessible, efficient and responsive,” he said.

On enforcement, the General Manager said LASEPA had sustained interventions against noise pollution and other environmental infractions, emphasising that regulatory enforcement remained necessary to ensure compliance with established environmental standards.

He also highlighted the agency’s contributions to Nigeria’s carbon market and climate action initiatives, describing LASEPA as an important institution in advancing environmental sustainability and carbon-related programmes.

Ajayi further identified the agency’s government-owned environmental laboratory as a major institutional asset, noting that it provides scientific support for environmental monitoring, investigations and evidence-based regulatory decisions.

He expressed appreciation to past administrations, former General Managers, management and staff of the agency for their contributions to sustaining its mandate over the years.

The General Manager said the 30th anniversary was not only a celebration of the agency’s achievements but also a recognition of the collective commitment, dedication and institutional growth that had shaped its operations over the past three decades.

He reaffirmed LASEPA’s commitment to strengthening environmental governance, improving pollution control and promoting sustainable environmental practices across Lagos State.