LASEPA Partners NPA To Fight Pollution, Cleaner Lagos

 

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) in collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA), on Thursday said it was ready to rid off pollution in the state.

This according to LASEPA General Manager, Dr Tunde Ajayi, in a statement issued and signed by Mr Adesoye Oyelami, Assistant Director,Public Affairs, said it was part of the efforts to achieve a cleaner Lagos.

“This is aimed at ridding Lagos State of pollution, emissions and other environmental infractions that may be injurious to human health and the ecosystem.

“For this reason, the two agencies have agreed to strengthen collaborations that would help to monitor and protect the environment from pollution and other environmental violations that may have direct consequences on human health and the ecosystem,” he said. 

Ajayi  noted that there was the need for collaboration and mutual cooperation between  LASEPA and NPA in various areas  of environmental management.

“This is to make the goal of a  safe and  sustainable environment  possible in  the state,” he said.

Dr Ajayi  stressed the need for understanding and joint efforts at tackling environmental challenges in the state.

He noted that  the Lagos State Government remained the first point of contact and  respondent  in any emergency  situation, hence the need  for proper enforcement of  the State environmental regulations.

 “This environmental regulations is for  protection of human life and the ecosystem.

‘’The purpose of this is to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual  cooperation between LASEPA and NPA  in various areas  related to environmental sustainability, particularly tank farms management, issue of oil spillage, amongst others.

Dr Ajayi emphasised the importance of fostering synergy between LASEPA  and NPA to effectively address environmental challenges and jointly ensure compliance with environmental regulations for  a sustainable and cleaner Lagos.

While responding, the Principal Manager, Health Safety and Environment (NPA), Mr Emeka  Uchendu expressed the commitment of NPA to working closely with LASEPA to implement environmentally friendly practices.

Uchendu said this would promote the growth of a sustainable environment in an emerging smart city of Lagos.

He disclosed that NPA had embarked on some initiatives to further promote the growth of a clean and sustainable environment in the state.

He urged  the state government to equally intensify efforts in its various advocacy programmes on market sanitation, tree planting, flood free Lagos, reduction in the use of non- biodegradable elements among other initiatives.

Ajayi explained that the two parties jointly agreed to  a 9 – point workable resolutions; including ; common communication channels between LASEPA and NPA to bridge  communication gap that may be  hindering  efficiency in joint operations;  

“Joint quarterly meetings between the two agencies, inclusion of LASEPA in agencies committee meetings , 

“Inclusion of LASEPA officials in Health , Safety and Environment (HSE) meetings , Jointly conducted surveillance operations along waterways , Joint  stakeholders engagement  and awareness campaigns.

“Collaboration on the use of LASEPA  certificated laboratory for analysis.

“Data sharing for environmental  audit report as well as collaboration to allow NPA staff access LASEPA laboratory for knowledge sharing,” he said.