After Warnings, Abatement Notices, Lagos Seals Church, Hotels, Nightclub, Nine Others

• The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed 12 establishments, including a church, hotels, a nightclub and entertainment venues, after alleged persistent breaches of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings and abatement notices. The enforcement operation was carried out across six areas of the state on Tuesday.

• LASEPA said the affected establishments had been given several opportunities to correct the alleged violations before the latest crackdown. The agency said the sealing exercise followed persistent non-compliance with its directives, suggesting that the action was the latest stage in an enforcement process rather than an immediate response to first-time infractions.

• Noise pollution was among the violations cited by the environmental regulator, particularly against entertainment establishments. Thrillz Lounge in Ogba and Kobo Night Club in Agodo-Egbe were sealed over noise pollution and non-compliance, while other businesses were shut for allegedly failing to comply with LASEPA’s directives.

• The agency warned that enforcement would continue across Lagos, urging businesses, religious institutions, facility operators, scrap dealers and residents to obtain required environmental permits, comply with regulations and cooperate with the regulator. LASEPA said the measures were necessary to protect public health and promote a cleaner and safer environment.

September 23, () – The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed 12 establishments, including a church, hotels and a nightclub, following alleged persistent violations of environmental regulations despite repeated warnings and abatement notices.

The enforcement operation, carried out on Tuesday, covered Ogba, Idimu-Ikota, Ejigbo, LASU-Iba Road, Igando and Agodo-Egbe areas of Lagos State.

LASEPA disclosed the development in a statement published on its official X handle on Wednesday, saying the affected establishments had repeatedly failed to comply with its environmental directives.

The agency said the enforcement followed “persistent violations of environmental regulations, despite repeated warnings, abatement notices and several opportunities granted to facilitate compliance with the Agency’s directives.”

It clarified that the affected establishments had been placed on notice before the latest action, with LASEPA maintaining that operators were given opportunities to address the identified infractions before the sealing exercise.

The enforcement was carried out in line with directives of the Lagos State Government, according to the agency, which said its objective was to ensure compliance with environmental laws and protect public health.

Among the establishments sealed was Thrillz Lounge on Odusanmi Street, Ogba, which LASEPA said was shut over noise pollution and non-compliance with its directives.

Feixiang Plastic, located along LASU-Ojo Road at Oko Filling Bus Stop, was also sealed for non-compliance with the agency’s directives.

Limas, located on Aro-Oloye Street, off Abaranje Road, Abaranje, Ikotun, was similarly affected over alleged failure to comply with LASEPA’s directives.

Nico Hotel & Suites, located at Ayawo Close, NEPA Bus Stop, along Egbe-Isolo Road, Ejigbo, was also sealed for non-compliance.

Kobo Night Club on Abanishe Street, off Hostel Road, Agodo-Egbe, was shut over noise pollution and non-compliance with environmental directives.

Master Furniture, located on Coleman Street, Pao Bus Stop, Idimu-Ikota Road, was sealed for non-compliance, while Nikky’s Executive Bar & Lounge on Governor’s Road, Ikotun, was also shut for the same reason.

The list also included a religious institution, underscoring the agency’s warning that environmental regulations apply not only to commercial establishments but also to places of worship and other facilities whose activities may affect surrounding communities.

LASEPA’s action comes amid persistent environmental challenges associated with Lagos’ rapidly expanding population, commercial activities, nightlife and densely populated neighbourhoods.

Noise pollution has remained a recurring source of complaints in the state, particularly around religious centres, hotels, clubs, lounges, event centres and other establishments operating in residential areas.

Beyond noise, environmental regulators also monitor compliance with requirements relating to waste management, pollution control, facility operations and other activities capable of affecting public health or the quality of the environment.

Speaking on the enforcement exercise, LASEPA General Manager, Babatunde Ajayi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting public health and preserving the environment.

Ajayi urged business owners, facility operators, religious institutions, scrap dealers and residents across the state to embrace environmentally responsible practices and comply with the requirements governing their activities.

He also called on operators to obtain all necessary permits and approvals and to cooperate with LASEPA in its efforts to build what he described as a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.

The General Manager’s warning suggests that the latest sealing exercise is unlikely to be an isolated operation, as the agency said it would continue enforcing environmental regulations across the state.

LASEPA maintained that its enforcement activities are aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental laws and protecting residents from activities that could undermine public health and environmental safety.

The agency urged affected and other establishments across Lagos to regularise their environmental obligations, obtain the required approvals and comply with applicable regulations to avoid further enforcement action.