The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has intensified its crackdown on environmental violations, sealing multiple establishments in the Ifako-Ijaiye and Igando areas over persistent noise and air pollution issues.
In an enforcement operation carried out on Monday, LASEPA shut down:
• The Cherubim and Seraphim Church (King of Kings), Georgius Cole Estate, Ifako-Ijaiye
• A fufu production facility for excessive heat and air pollution
• Tyonex Nigeria Limited, a pharmaceutical company on LASU–Isheri Road, Igando, for environmental nuisance
The agency disclosed the development via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday.
Repeated Complaints Prompt Action Against Environmental Violations
The General Manager of LASEPA, Babatunde Ajayi, said the enforcement operation was a direct response to repeated public complaints and was aimed at protecting residents’ health and improving environmental standards across the state.
Ajayi criticized the church’s continued operations in a residential estate without proper authorization, despite earlier warnings and reports from neighbors about loud, disruptive activities.
“As much as there is freedom of worship in the state, no individual or organization is permitted to infringe upon the fundamental rights of others or compromise public health under the guise of religious activity,” Ajayi stated.
Zero-Tolerance Policy for All Environmental Violations
The LASEPA boss reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance approach to all forms of environmental violations, urging both private and corporate entities to prioritize compliance with state environmental laws.
He emphasized that enforcement actions will continue against any establishment, be it religious or commercial, that causes harm to its surrounding environment.
YabaTech Also Sanctioned for Sewage-Related Environmental Violations
In a related move, the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office, under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, sealed the sewage and wastewater treatment facility at Yaba College of Technology.
It was gathered by the officials that the institution had been allegedly discharging untreated sewage into the environment, failing to comply with several warning letters concerning the issue from the government.
Government Urges Compliance to Avoid Future Sanctions
Residents, religious centers, and businesses have been advised by the state government to operate responsibly in full obedience to environmental regulations. Authorities warn that continued environmental violations will result in further sanctions, including the sealing of premises and legal prosecution.
