In Lagos, where busy traffic and industrial activities often fill the air with smoke and haze, the state government is urging residents to join hands in protecting the air they breathe. Officials reminded citizens that cleaner air is a shared responsibility.
The government noted that air pollution is one of the biggest environmental problems facing Lagos today. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of people die prematurely every year worldwide because of polluted air.
Speaking at an event of the Property & Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN), the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, explained that rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and rising population in Lagos have worsened emissions from vehicles, generators, and factories. He said this has led to poor air quality and serious health risks for residents.
Ajayi pointed out that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda gives strong focus to health and the environment. He stressed that the administration is committed to reforming policies to fight pollution, improve public health, and promote a sustainable environment.
He explained that Lagos faces several challenges in managing air quality: too many vehicles on the roads, constant use of power generators because of poor electricity supply, and pollution from factories. Many industries, he said, lack treatment plants for their waste or do not operate them properly, leading to untreated waste and smoke being released into the environment.
To address this, Ajayi said the state government, through LASEPA, has rolled out reforms and stricter policies to reduce pollution. For example, emission standards have been set for vehicles and factories, working in collaboration with agencies such as the Ministry of Transportation and the Vehicle Inspection Service.
He added that LASEPA monitors air quality regularly and enforces compliance, especially among industries. The agency also runs public education campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of clean air. Industrial operators are trained yearly on how to properly run their treatment plants.
Ajayi further explained that the agency works with different stakeholders, including government bodies, manufacturers, and civil society groups, to promote cleaner energy, sustainable transportation, and green infrastructure. According to him, these efforts show the state’s determination to achieve a pollution-free and healthier Lagos.
