LASEPA closes 619 facilities for environmental infractions in 2024
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) closed 619 facilities, including worship centres, hotels, and other establishments, for various environmental violations in 2024.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists at Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
He stated that noise pollution accounted for 528 of the closures as the agency intensified enforcement of environmental laws.
According to Dr. Ajayi, LASEPA conducted a record 352 enforcement operations in 2024, tripling the number from the previous year. These operations targeted households, hotels, and worship centres in line with the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
Dr. Ajayi outlined LASEPA’s achievements in 2024, including:
The launch of the Lagos State Carbon Registry during the Sustainability Summit in September.
The installation of 20 additional air quality monitors, bringing the total to 43.
The introduction of energy-efficient kilns for bakeries to reduce air pollution in local communities.
He also highlighted progress in digitalisation, such as upgraded laboratory services and streamlined processes for technical reporting and permit issuance.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ajayi said the agency would double its advocacy for environmental awareness in 2025, with a focus on stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Plans for the coming year include intensified action against noise pollution, enforcement of anti-smoking regulations by designating smoking and non-smoking zones, and promoting proper waste management through authorised disposal bodies.
He added that public complaints would be addressed more effectively through an expanded complaints centre and digital channels.
The agency also intends to increase academic publications and public awareness campaigns to foster greater environmental consciousness.
