The Lagos State Government has finalized plans to gradually eliminate commercial bakeries that rely on firewood as their primary fuel source, citing serious concerns over air pollution, public health risks, environmental damage, and contributions to climate change.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), announced the initiative while reviewing the agency’s activities in 2025 and outlining priorities for the coming year.
He explained that traditional firewood bakeries which use wood to heat large masonry or brick ovens generate significant smoke, increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, pose fire hazards, and contribute to poor sanitation in surrounding areas.
To ensure a smooth transition, LASEPA has developed a clear strategy that includes recent capacity-building workshops specifically targeting bakery owners still using firewood.
The state government will provide financial support for a pilot project to convert the first group of these bakeries to modern gas-powered systems.
These early adopters will serve as practical examples for the wider industry to follow.Dr. Ajayi emphasized that the main objectives are to reduce health problems caused by prolonged exposure to smoke, lower environmental pollution, decrease fire risks, and improve overall sanitation standards around bakery operations.
In addition to the bakery transition plan, Dr. Ajayi highlighted key enforcement results from 2025:244 facilities were sealed across the state for various environmental violations, with noise pollution being the most common infraction.
Affected premises included hotels, markets, eateries, warehouses, churches, mosques, and even some households.
More than 180 abatement notices were issued to individuals and organizations responsible for discharging raw sewage into lagoons and other forms of land and water pollution.
Joint operations, including a major compliance exercise at the Ojota Chemical Market alongside NESREA and environmental task forces, have significantly reduced incidents of fire outbreaks and chemical spillages.
On the community support side, LASEPA installed two state-funded smokeless kiln machines at the Ago-Egun Ilaje fishing community in Bariga.
This intervention aims to improve local air quality, protect the health of women who work in the area, and increase economic productivity.
In terms of air quality monitoring, the agency has collaborated with local and international partners to deploy low-cost sensors across Lagos.
Real-time data is now collected from 114 installed monitors and released weekly to the public. With 60 additional monitors already procured, LASEPA aims to have at least 200 units operational by the end of 2026.
Other notable efforts include:Signing of memoranda of understanding with religious leaders and nightclub operators under the “Noiseless Lagos” campaign to reduce excessive noise.
Registration and accreditation of 153 e-waste and battery recyclers to formalize the sector and prevent unsafe disposal practices.
Ongoing collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Health on water quality testing to detect and prevent outbreaks of cholera and other water-borne diseases.
Dr. Ajayi stressed that LASEPA’s approach combines firm enforcement with education, technical support, and practical solutions.
The agency has established a dedicated compliance desk to assist industries facing challenges in meeting environmental regulations.
“Our goal is not just punishment, but the creation of a cleaner, safer, and healthier Lagos for everyone,” he said, adding that compliance improves significantly when operators understand both the health and economic consequences of environmental violations.
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