The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed 619 facilities, including mosques, churches, and hotels, for violating environmental laws

• The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed 619 facilities in 2024 for environmental infractions.

• Noise pollution accounted for 528 of the closures.

• The agency targeted households, hotels, and worship centers under the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

• LASEPA plans to intensify environmental advocacy and law enforcement in 2025.

• The agency will focus on noise pollution, anti-smoking regulations, and proper waste management.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has taken bold action against environmental offenders, sealing at least 619 facilities in 2024. These facilities include mosques, churches, hotels, and other establishments that failed to comply with environmental regulations .

According to Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, noise pollution was the primary reason for 528 of the closures. The agency has been intensifying its enforcement of environmental laws, targeting households, hotels, and worship centers under the Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017.

Looking ahead to 2025, LASEPA plans to double down on environmental advocacy and stricter law enforcement. This includes increasing action against noise pollution, enforcing anti-smoking regulations, and promoting proper waste management. The agency will also expand its complaints center and digital channels to better handle public concerns.

Some of the specific measures LASEPA plans to implement include:

• Intensified noise pollution enforcement: Targeting households, hotels, and worship centers that exceed acceptable noise levels.
• Anti-smoking regulations: Designating smoking and non-smoking zones to reduce air pollution.
• Proper waste management: Advocating for authorized disposal bodies to manage waste effectively.
• Expanded complaints center: Improving public complaint handling through an expanded complaints center and digital channels.
• Increased public awareness: Launching academic publications and public awareness campaigns to promote environmental consciousness.