The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has closed 619 facilities, including worship centres, hotels, and other establishments, for various environmental violations in 2024.
LASEPA General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
He explained that noise pollution accounted for 528 closures as the agency ramped up enforcement of environmental laws.
According to Dr. Ajayi, LASEPA conducted 352 enforcement operations in 2024, tripling the number carried out in the previous year.
These operations targeted households, hotels, and worship centres under the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.
Highlighting the agency’s 2024 achievements, Dr. Ajayi mentioned the launch of the Lagos State Carbon Registry during the September Sustainability Summit, the installation of 20 additional air quality monitors to bring the total to 43, and the introduction of energy-efficient kilns for bakeries to curb air pollution in local communities.
He also noted improvements in digitalisation, including enhanced laboratory services and streamlined processes for technical reporting and permit issuance.
Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Ajayi stated that LASEPA would intensify its advocacy for environmental awareness and enforce stricter regulations.
Plans include targeting noise pollution, enforcing anti-smoking regulations with designated zones, and promoting proper waste management through authorised disposal channels.
Additionally, LASEPA aims to enhance public complaint handling with an expanded complaints centre and digital channels.
The agency will also increase academic publications and public awareness campaigns to foster greater environmental consciousness.