The Lagos State Environmental protection Agency (LASEPA) has said that noise pollution topped its environmental complaints in 2025, accounting for 3,300 of 8,437 cases recorded statewide.

The general manager (GM) of LASEPA, Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during the agency’s annual performance appraisal and media parley in Ikeja.

Mr Ajayi said that LASEPA shut down 244 facilities, including hotels, churches, mosques and warehouses, for violating environmental laws between January and December 2025.

He said that the actions followed sustained monitoring, compliance and enforcement exercises across households, markets, service centres and worship centres in the state.

According to him, over 200 hospitality facilities were monitored, while 180 abatement notices were issued for raw sewage discharge as well as land and water pollution.

Mr Ajayi noted that enforcement in chemical and industrial facilities reduced fire outbreaks and chemical spillages, citing a joint operation at Ojota Chemical Market with NESREA.

He said that LASEPA installed two smokeless kiln machines at the Ago-Egun Ilaje fishing community, to improve air quality, protect women’s health and boost productivity.

On air quality, Mr Ajayi said that LASEPA deployed low-cost sensors with partners, and releases weekly data from 114 monitors, targeting 200 monitors by the end of 2026.

He said that 60 additional air monitors were already on ground awaiting installation across the state.

The general manager noted that many noise complaints were resolved without sealing premises, stressing that prevention saves health costs.

“For every one naira spent on environmental protection, about ₦40 is saved from sickness management,” he said.

He said that religious leaders and nightclub operators signed agreements under the Noiseless Lagos Advocacy, to curb excessive noise.

“Our goal is not punishment alone, but a cleaner, safer and healthier Lagos,” he said.

According to him, LASEPA combined enforcement with education, adding that a compliance desk was created to help operators meet regulatory requirements.

On public health, Mr Ajayi said that the agency partnered the Ministry of Health on water testing to prevent cholera and other water-borne diseases.

Meanwhile, he said that about 25 per cent of diseases reported in health facilities were environment-related, adding that LASEPA accredited 153 e-waste and battery recyclers in 2025 to curb unsafe disposal.

The GM added that the agency would boost interagency partnership in the new year, to ensure safety of all Lagos residents.

He expressed gratitude to the governor for investing in the agency, adding that the agency has one of the best laboratories. 

(NAN)