LASEPA, Finsbury Heinz hosts compliance workshops to promote sustainable practices among Lagos Industries

In a continued effort to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable industrial practices, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in partnership with Finsbury Heinz Limited, on Friday organised a one-day compliance workshop for industrial and commercial facilities in Lagos with the theme “Regulatory Compliance for Sustainable Development: Today and Tomorrow.”

The workshop, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of regulatory compliance as a driver of long-term environmental sustainability and to foster dialogue between the public and private sectors on best practices, innovations, and strategies for meeting environmental standards in a dynamic business environment.

In his opening remarks, LASEPA’s General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring compliance across all sectors, noting that sustainable development can only be achieved through shared responsibility and strict adherence to environmental regulations.

“We have brought industries together to discuss compliance regulations and why they must comply to protect the environment in Lagos State. This outreach is particularly aimed at identifying the major sources of pollution, reminding them of our regulations, and showing them easier ways to comply. Engagements like this complement enforcement by building better relationships between industry and regulators,” Dr. Ajayi said.

He also highlighted LASEPA’s recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with some environmental organisations to strengthen policy implementation, encourage best practices, and address environmental violations across the state.

Dr. Ajayi called for active participation, open dialogue, and continued collaboration among stakeholders to address environmental challenges and chart a sustainable path for the state.

“Our goal is to ensure Lagos remains a livable and thriving city for all today and tomorrow,” he stated.

The Managing Consultant, Finsbury Heinz Limited, Engr. Jamiu Badmus emphasised that environmental sustainability rests on three pillars – people, profit, and planet.

“If we destroy this planet, there is no other home for future generations. Sustainability must be part of our DNA. This means disposing of waste properly, exploring opportunities to turn waste into wealth, and supporting initiatives that protect our environment. The THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu is to ensure that no one is left behind in this journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable Lagos,” Badmus emphasised.

The Deputy Director, Monitoring & Compliance Unit at LASEPA, Mrs. Yetunde Omiwale explained that regular sensitisation is essential given the turnover of professionals in the industrial sector. “We organise this training annually to update both existing and new facility managers on global trends and the requirements for environmental management. The environment is our heritage, and we must protect it,” she added.

The Environmental Sustainability Executive of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, Ikeja Branch, Mr. Iheanyichukwu Obinna stressed the need for manufacturers to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into their operations. “Today’s training is an investment in the future of manufacturing. We must strengthen relationships between regulators and manufacturers to ensure businesses remain sustainable while meeting regulatory standards,” Obinna remarked.

Participants benefited from expert presentations, interactive discussions, and experience-sharing sessions designed to improve corporate environmental performance while supporting Lagos State’s broader agenda for a greener and more resilient economy.