By Jane osamor
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), marked his first year in office on Friday, October 18, with a comprehensive overview of the agency’s accomplishments.
Reflecting on his first year, Dr. Ajayi said, “It’s been very interesting serving the people of Lagos, and it’s also been a very adventurous journey in terms of the range of work we’ve done.” He emphasized that LASEPA has made significant strides in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
Dr. Ajayi highlighted LASEPA’s enforcement activities as a key aspect of its work. “Enforcement is really one very interesting way of advocacy,” he stated. Over the past year, the agency has conducted 352 shutdowns, targeting facilities that violate environmental regulations. This effort aims to promote accountability and encourage responsible practices among businesses and individuals.
One of LASEPA’s most notable achievements is the launch of the Lagos Carbon Registry. Dr. Ajayi explained that this initiative puts Lagos on the global map as a leader in environmental protection. The registry enables the tracking and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors, including transport, agriculture, and industry.
The agency has also doubled its air quality monitors to 43, with plans to reach 60 by year-end. The General Manager stressed the importance of air quality monitoring, noting that it provides verifiable data crucial for public health. “Air quality is important for many things, especially health,” he said. “For people with respiratory health problems, air quality is very important.”
LASEPA has collaborated with the University of Chicago and local universities, securing grants of up to $6 million for research projects focused on environmental protection and sustainable development. Dr. Ajayi emphasized the importance of research in addressing environmental challenges.
The agency has digitized its processes, allowing citizens to access information and report complaints online. Dr. Ajayi noted that this move has increased transparency and accessibility.
Looking ahead, He outlined LASEPA’s priorities for the next year. “We’re going to prioritize research and development,” he said. “We must focus on fact-based decision-making and locally generated solutions to address our environmental challenges.”
Developing local skills in technical institutions to reduce reliance on foreign technology
Capacity building for LASEPA personnel
Continuing partnerships with institutions and stakeholders to advance environmental protection and sustainable development.
The General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, responding to press men about their efforts in monitoring medical waste and combating noise pollution.
Dr. Ajayi explained that medical waste falls under hazardous waste, and LASEPA has set standards for its management. The agency works with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) to collect and incinerate medical waste from hospitals. “We set the standards, we have the policies, and LAWMA collects medical waste from all hospitals and incinerates it at designated points,” he stated.
He highlighted the challenges LASEPA faces in enforcing regulations. “People are generally badly behaved in terms of complying with regulations,” he said. Despite fines and penalties, some individuals and organizations continue to violate noise pollution regulations.
Noise pollution remains a significant concern, with the religious sector being the largest contributor. Dr. Ajayi noted that some churches and mosques operate without regard for noise levels, disrupting neighbors’ peace. LASEPA engages with religious leaders quarterly to educate them on the importance of maintaining less than 60 decibels during services.
To address noise pollution, LASEPA employs various strategies:
1. Engagement: Quarterly meetings with religious leaders to educate them on noise regulations.
2. Media campaigns: Public awareness campaigns to sensitize citizens.
3. Enforcement: Issuing warnings and sealing violators’ premises.
Dr. Ajayi emphasized that balancing religious freedom with the right to a peaceful environment is crucial. “Your right to practice your religion ends where my right to have good sleep starts,” he said.
LASEPA also addresses other environmental issues, such as dog ownership. The General Manager noted that the law prohibits keeping more than two dogs, highlighting the agency’s commitment to maintaining a harmonious environment.
As LASEPA continues to tackle environmental challenges, Dr. Ajayi urged citizens to cooperate and report violations. By working together, Lagos can become a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous city.
As Dr. Ajayi celebrated his first year in office, he reiterated LASEPA’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in Lagos. “We’re dedicated to creating a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous environment for all Lagosians,” he stressed.
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