The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has announced plans to convert about 400 small- and medium-scale bread bakeries across Lagos State from firewood to gas-powered systems.
The agency’s general manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos, noting that the initiative aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental and public health outcomes in the state.
According to Dr Ajayi, the project will begin with a pilot phase in which LASEPA will fully fund and carry out the conversion of five selected bakeries.
He explained that the success of the pilot would serve as a model to encourage other bakery operators to transition from firewood to gas.
“This intervention is part of our broader efforts to promote cleaner energy use, reduce air pollution, and safeguard the health of Lagos residents,” Ajayi said.
He added that while LASEPA would directly support the initial five bakeries, owners of the remaining 400 bakeries would be sensitised and encouraged to independently adopt gas-powered alternatives as part of the state’s environmental sustainability drive.
The agency believes the initiative will contribute to improved air quality, reduced deforestation, and safer working conditions within the baking industry.
Looking ahead to 2026, the general manager revealed that LASEPA plans to continue its collaboration with Ogun State, recognising its partnership in environmental protection efforts.
“We believe that our environmental initiatives will be much stronger if we work closely with Ogun State, as many people who work in Lagos actually live there.
The state has been a great partner, and we are committed to maintaining that collaboration,” he stated.
He mentioned that LASEPA is committed to regularly sharing general monthly environmental images and additional data this year, which will help media stakeholders connect with and inform a wider audience.
The general manager emphasised that the agency plans to enhance its regulation, enforcement, and monitoring efforts.
“By broadening the reach of our eco monitor, we’ll have a stronger data foundation to conclude from. In the past, having just one monitor for the entire Kosofe area meant it didn’t accurately reflect the entire local government. For instance, if there was a generator spewing smoke right next to that monitor, it would skew the data for the entire area. But with more monitors spread throughout the local government areas, we can gather much more precise data. We are also looking to improve our open data access and boost our ability to leverage technology across all our responsibilities.”
Dr Ajayi noted that the agency’s enforcement department conducted 244 enforcement actions across various locations, including homes, markets, hotels, warehouses, sales points, service centres, and more, to ensure compliance with state environmental laws.
He also pointed out that the agency monitored 200 hospitality venues, such as supermarkets, nightclubs, and bakeries, to ensure they complied with state regulatory laws.
Additionally, 180 abatement notices were issued to individuals and organisations that violated the state’s environmental laws regarding the indiscriminate discharge of raw sewage into the lagoon or other forms of water and land pollution.
Thanks to effective monitoring, the agency ensured that regulatory standards and best practices were properly implemented in manufacturing facilities and chemical warehouses across the state. This has played a crucial role in reducing incidents of fire outbreaks and chemical spills in chemical markets across the state.
The GM of LASEPA also led a collaborative monitoring and cleanup initiative at the Ojota chemical market, teaming up with NESREA and the Taskforce on Environmental Protection. The goal? To ensure compliance with safety regulations, address any violations, and lay the groundwork for a chemical registry across markets.
To further support industrial facilities facing challenges with environmental regulations, LASEPA has established a compliance desk to provide guidance and solutions.
The GM also shared that the agency has successfully registered and accredited 153 E-Waste and battery recyclers and collectors throughout the State.
In a bid to combat the improper management and disposal of used cooking oil—which poses serious risks to public health, energy, and the environment—LASEPA joined forces with Ororo Waste Management Company Limited this past year. Together, they promoted the recycling of used cooking oil, aiming to create wealth, build a sustainable environment, and enhance public health and safety.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that LASEPA organised a successful Green skills training program focused on environmental sustainability, engaging over 200 youths in 2025. This initiative is all about getting young people involved in sustainable practices.
LASEPA also secured a generous intervention grant of $225,000 from the Government of Japan through a partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). This partnership was designed to strengthen the skills of informal food and water vendors and waste workers in flood-affected areas of Lagos to help prevent cholera outbreaks. As part of this program, LASEPA trained 223 food and water vendors and 102 waste handlers.
In addition, LASEPA, working alongside the government of Japan and UNIDO, has successfully reached 6 out of the 8 targeted local government areas, benefiting a total of 770 participants. These areas include Ikorodu, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Alimosho, Ojo, and Kosofe. Interestingly, the Agency also completed 114 installations of Air Quality Sensors and rehabilitated air pollution control facilities throughout the state.
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