By Uchechi Afonne

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reaffirmed commitment to environmental protection and pledged tougher enforcement against activities threatening the environment and public health.

The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, gave the reaffirmation on Wednesday at the agency’s news conference as part of activities to mark LASEPA’s 30th anniversary.

Ajayi said, however, that environmental compliance was a collective responsibility.

He urged business owners, facility operators, religious institutions, scrap dealers and residents to embrace environmentally responsible practices.

He also called on them to obtain necessary permits and approvals, comply with environmental regulations and cooperate with the agency toward building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

The general manager commended the agency’s workforce for their dedication, acknowledging the challenges and hurdles they had encountered while carrying out their responsibilities.

He thanked them for their diligence and contributions to advancing LASEPA’s environmental protection mandate.

Ajayi also expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its support toward the agency’s operations.

Also, Mr Olakunle Adegbite, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, commended LASEPA for its contributions to environmental protection in the state.

Adegbite congratulated the management and staff on the anniversary, particularly acknowledging the heads of various units for their contributions to the agency’s achievements.

He also praised Ajayi’s achievements and ability to coordinate the workforce, urging management and staff to sustain their commitment as the agency enters its next phase.

Adegbite encouraged the workforce to brace themselves for the years ahead, stressing the importance of continued dedication to their responsibilities.

He urged Lagos residents to obey environmental regulations and state laws, noting that their cooperation would enable the government to serve them better.

Earlier, LASEPA management pledged to strengthen enforcement against environmental violations, warning that facilities operating contrary to established regulations risked being sealed.

Mrs Shonibare Olabisi, the agency’s Director of Partnerships, Grants Management and Innovation Unit, gave the assurance during an interview on a Lagos-based privately owned cable television.

Olabisi said LASEPA remained committed to enforcing environmental laws and standards, particularly those relating to air, water and land pollution.

She explained that industries must adequately treat their waste before discharge and install appropriate pollution control systems to meet approved air quality standards.

She added that the agency usually engaged defaulting facilities, issued notices and provided timelines for corrective action before resorting to sealing affected premises.

“Enforcement covers religious organisations, entertainment establishments, industries and lounges operating within residential areas, particularly where their activities constitute environmental nuisances,” she said.

Olabisi identified public sensitisation as another important component of the agency’s enforcement strategy, acknowledging the need to expand communication through social media, billboards and direct messaging.

She disclosed that LASEPA was considering partnerships with telecommunications companies to disseminate environmental awareness messages, while also collaborating with the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency.

Olabisi highlighted the agency’s engagement with students across secondary and tertiary institutions to promote environmental responsibility.

She cited a recent engagement with tertiary institution students on transboundary pollution as part of the initiative.

On funding, she said that the state government supported LASEPA’s activities, while it also pursued grants and partnerships with organisations interested in environmental protection.

She described LASEPA’s relationship with the Lagos State Waste Management Authority as collaborative, particularly on environmental concerns involving pollution and solid waste management.

Reflecting on the agency’s 30-year journey, Olabisi described its development as transformative, highlighting its transition from analogue to digital operations. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

=======
Edited by Esenvosa Izah