The Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has called for a unified national action on regulation as part of activities to mark the 2025 World Environment Day.
The National President of PECAN, Mr Olakunle Williams, made the call at a high-level Multi-Stakeholder Enlightenment & Engagement Forum on Thursday in Lagos.
The forum focused on the newly introduced National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2025, a major transformation in Nigeria’s pest and vector control landscape.
Delivering his welcome address, Williams described the new regulatory framework as a “paradigm shift” from fragmented, unregulated practices to a standardised, multi-tiered system involving federal, state, and local authorities.
“For decades, pest control licensing in Nigeria was predominantly handled at the local government level, resulting in regulatory inconsistencies and a proliferation of unlicensed practitioners.
“The 2024/2025 Regulatory Framework corrects this imbalance through a coordinated, nationwide approach that prioritises public health, professionalism, and accountability,” Williams said.
He noted that under the new structure, the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), serves as the apex licensing body, issuing national licenses and setting professional benchmarks.
He said the structure empowered state governments to issue operational permits and enforce compliance.
He added that local governments would focus on grassroots-level enforcement and public awareness.
Williams acknowledged the contributions of key partners including EHCON, the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) for their commitment to environmental health reform.
Others included the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, and the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria.
“This collaborative model ensures that pest control in Nigeria is no longer a fragmented service, but a unified public health intervention.
“We must now deepen our understanding of the regulations, build partnerships, and promote capacity-building across all tiers,” Williams said.
He called on all stakeholders to embrace their roles in the new framework and ensure that pest and vector control operations contribute meaningfully to national health and sustainability goals.
Also speaking, the National General Secretary of PECAN, Mr Ayodeji Oluleye, said to practice professionally in Nigeria, there must be law.
Oluleye decried the multi taxation involved at the level of practice.
In his goodwill message, the General manager of LASEPA, Dr Tunji Ajayi, called for collaboration among the various stakeholders in the sector.
Ajayi lauded the efforts of environmental health workers in ensuring the maintenance of community health.
He described them as super humans in the line of duty.
According to him, there is the need for all stakeholders to build relationships for the common good and health of the environment.
The Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, Dr Yakubu Baba expressed delight in the partnership between the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria and PECAN.
Baba said the partnership was critical in the design and the ongoing implementation of the national framework of the ongoing regulation, as it relates to public health and pest control in Nigeria.
“This collaboration represents a bold and concrete step in institutionalising pest control as a critical public health intervention,” Baba said.
He commended PECAN under the leadership of its national president, Mr Olakunle Williams.
He emphasised that no entity should be a regulator and also a service provider.
The event brought together professionals from across the pest control, environmental health, and public policy sectors.
The discussions at the forum focused on implementation strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and the need for continuous training and certification to uphold global best practices.
NAN
