The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has intensified environmental monitoring and enforcement activities to curb pollution and protect public health across the state.
General manager of the agency, Mr. Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a live radio programme, ‘Know Your Agencies,’ aired on Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM.
The programme, organised by the Parastatals Monitoring Office, is aimed at enlightening residents on the activities, responsibilities and achievements of government agencies and parastatals in Lagos State.
Ajayi said the agency remained committed to protecting and preserving the environment through strategic environmental monitoring, pollution control, advocacy and enforcement activities.
According to him, environmental pollution exists in various forms, including air, land, water and noise pollution. He identified improper waste disposal, oil spills, emissions from waste trucks and other environmental activities as major contributors to environmental degradation in the state.
Ajayi clarified that solid waste management falls under the responsibility of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, while LASEPA focuses on environmental regulation and pollution control. Ajayi described noise pollution as one of the major environmental challenges facing Lagos.
He said sources of noise pollution were broadly categorised into stationary and mobile sources, including public address systems, religious centres, entertainment facilities, traffic and industrial activities.
According to him, noise levels are measured in decibels, adding that residential areas are expected not to exceed 45 decibels at night and 55 decibels during the day.
He explained that mixeduse and commercial areas had slightly higher permissible limits because of the economic and social activities associated with Lagos’ growing 24-hour economy.
Ajayi also highlighted the agency’s ongoing enforcement and monitoring operations aimed at reducing excessive noise, particularly in residential communities affected by entertainment and recreational activities.
On air quality monitoring, he said LASEPA had deployed more than 150 air quality monitors across the state to improve environmental data gathering. He added that the number of monitors would increase before the end of the year.
He said residents could access real-time air quality and noise pollution data through LASEPA’s official website, noisecontrolunit@lasepa.gov. ng.
He urged residents to support environmental sustainability efforts by reporting environmental infractions and pollution-related complaints through the agency’s social media platforms, @lasepaofficial.
