Health

Environmental Pollution Drives Diseases in Lagos – LASEPA

Published

3 months ago

November 26, 2025

Q Tinny

Environmental pollution in Lagos causes 25% of diseases, LASEPA warns as it urges compliance and public reporting of untreated industrial waste

The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Babatunde Ajayi, has warned that about 25 per cent of diseases reported in state hospitals are linked to environmental pollution in Lagos.

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Ajayi made the statement yesterday during a statewide seminar for stakeholders themed, “Treat your industrial waste responsibly and protect our environment for a sustainable future.”

He emphasised that environmental degradation has a profound negative impact on health, noting that human well-being cannot be separated from environmental conditions.

Highlighting the agency’s enforcement record, Ajayi revealed that at least 74 companies have been sanctioned this year for violating environmental regulations.

However, he stressed that LASEPA prioritises public awareness and stakeholder education over penalties, regularly conducting sensitisation programmes to encourage compliance.

“Companies must adhere to waste disposal regulations and environmental standards,” he stated, promising that LASEPA would continue engaging stakeholders to improve understanding of regulatory requirements.

He also urged residents to report any organisations discharging large volumes of effluent or untreated waste into the environment.

Adding to the discussion, former LASEPA General Manager Antonio Ayodele disclosed that over 700 industries discharge effluent into Lagos’ environment daily, often through buried pipes or during nighttime operations.

Oladipupo Adeyemi, representing the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment, commended LASEPA for organising the seminar, noting that information mobilisation is crucial to compliance.