The Lagos State Government has sealed 244 premises across the state in 2025 over breaches of environmental rules, with noise pollution ranking as the most reported problem during the year.
The actions were carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency between January and December 2025 as part of efforts to protect public health and the environment.
The affected facilities included hotels, churches, mosques, warehouses, markets, service centres and residential premises.
The agency disclosed that it received 8,437 environmental complaints in 2025, out of which 3,300 were related to noise pollution, making it the most common issue reported by residents across the state.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Babatunde Ajayi, made this known while speaking to journalists at the agency’s annual performance review and media engagement held at its headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja.
He explained that the closures followed routine monitoring and compliance checks carried out throughout the year to ensure adherence to state environmental laws.
He added that enforcement was not limited to worship centres and hotels, but also extended to households, markets and industrial facilities.
Ajayi said the agency monitored more than 200 hospitality-related businesses such as supermarkets, nightclubs and bakeries.
During the exercise, 180 abatement notices were issued to individuals and organisations involved in activities like discharging untreated sewage into lagoons and causing land and water pollution.
He stated that LASEPA also strengthened oversight of industrial and chemical facilities, which led to fewer cases of fire incidents and chemical spills in major chemical markets.
According to him, one of the major actions taken was a joint compliance operation at the Ojota Chemical Market carried out with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and other environmental task forces.
Beyond enforcement, Ajayi noted that the agency invested in community-based projects, including the installation of two smokeless kiln machines at the Ago-Egun Ilaje fishing community in Bariga.
The said the project was aimed at improving air quality, protecting the health of women and supporting economic activities in the area.
On air quality management, he said LASEPA worked with local and international partners to deploy low-cost air quality sensors across Lagos.
He explained that the agency currently operates 114 air monitors and releases weekly air quality reports, with plans to increase the number to at least 200 before the end of 2026.
He added that 60 additional monitors are already available and awaiting installation.
Ajayi also disclosed that many noise-related cases were resolved without sealing premises, as the agency often intervened through engagement and guidance.
He said that religious leaders and nightclub operators signed agreements with the state under the Noiseless Lagos campaign to reduce excessive noise in their environments.
He said LASEPA combines enforcement with education and support to help operators understand the health and economic effects of environmental abuse.
According to him, the agency set up a compliance desk to assist industries facing challenges with environmental regulations and to offer practical solutions.
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