The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has launched a statewide awareness and sensitisation campaign with a call on Manufacturing Industries across the State to stop the discharge of untreated effluent into the drains and water bodies
The event, which took place at the State Treasury Resource Centre (STO), Alausa, recently gathered stakeholders from various sectors committed to fostering a cleaner, healthier environment.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Environment, Engr Olakunle Akodu stated that the sensitisation is aimed at addressing the pressing issues of air pollution and indiscriminate discharge of untreated effluent into the environment and water bodies, adding that there was a need for all stakeholders to take responsibility for environmental protection.
Akodu said that the campaign would highlight the serious health risks posed by pollutants from industrial activities, emphasising LASEPA’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and protection.
“In Lagos State, the government’s focus is not solely on revenue generation from sanctions. What is key is compliance with environmental rules and regulations. We must protect our environment; industries must treat their effluent before discharging it, that is the practice globally”, he stated
While calling for collective responsibility towards environmental sustainability, the Special Adviser urged all stakeholders to join hands with the State government in the fight against climate change and its global warming effect.
Earlier in his opening remarks, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, stated that there is an urgent need for ongoing dialogue regarding the management of effluent in Lagos State, a region grappling with rapid industrialisation.
“We are all too familiar with the environmental challenges posed by industrial activities, the untreated effluent from these industries is not only dangerous but also endangers the well-being of our communities”, Ajayi stated.
In his presentation on “Effluent Management and Consequences of Mismanagement: LASEPA ‘s Role and Your Responsibilities As Stakeholder”, he highlighted the importance of sensitising industries about their responsibilities in managing effluent.
He said, “Every industry must have pollution abatement and effluent treatment plants. Many industries in Lagos discharge untreated effluent directly into the drains and water bodies with disregard to its long-term effect on the environment and public health”.
The General Manager also referenced the disturbing rise of heavy metal pollution which poses severe health risks, including kidney problems and developmental issues in children, warning that the global standard regulations must be adhered to achieve a sustainable environment that is safe, secure and free from degradation.
The event featured presentations from various stakeholders including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, who spoke on the Health implications of improper industrial waste management.