LASEPA plans to ensure bakeries switch from firewood to gas – Dr. Babatunde Ajayi,
By Tunji Faleye
In an exciting move, the Lagos State Environmental and Protection Agency (LASEPA) has announced plans to convert 400 small and medium-sized bread bakeries across Lagos State from firewood to gas.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the agency’s General Manager, shared this news during a media briefing at the LASEPA office in Alausa, Ikeja.
He emphasized that this initiative aims to significantly cut down carbon emissions and enhance the overall well-being of Lagos residents.
Dr. Ajayi mentioned that LASEPA will kick off the project by piloting and funding the conversion of five bakeries in the state. He said the owners of the remaining 400 bakeries would be encouraged to make the switch from firewood to gas.
Looking ahead to 2026, the General Manager revealed that LASEPA plans to continue its collaboration with Ogun State, recognizing 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 emphasized 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 draw conclusions from. In the past, having just one monitor for the entire Kosofe area meant that it didn’t accurately represent the whole 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.”
Reflecting on the agency’s activities in 2025, Dr. Ajayi noted that the enforcement department of the agency conducted 244 enforcement actions in various locations, including homes, markets, hotels, warehouses, sales points, service centers, and more, to ensure adherence to state environmental laws.
He also pointed out that the agency monitored 200 hospitality venues, such as supermarkets, nightclubs, and bakeries, to ensure they conform with the state regulatory laws.
Additionally, 180 abatement notices were issued to individuals and organizations 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 throughout 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 that safety regulations are being followed, address any violations, and lay the groundwork for a chemical registry across various markets.
To further support industrial facilities facing challenges with environmental regulations, LASEPA has set up a compliance desk to offer 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 for wealth creation, a sustainable environment, and enhanced public health safety.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that LASEPA organized 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 Organization (UNIDO). This partnership was designed to strengthen the skills of informal food and water vendors, as well as 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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