Sept. 3, 2025
The Lagos State Government (LASG) on Wednesday mandated all developers to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process to ensure safety, health, and sustainable development.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, disclosed this at a stakeholder workshop held at Watercress Hotel, Lagos.
The workshop focused on mainstreaming EIA and other safeguard instruments into developmental initiatives in Lagos State.
Rotimi-Akodu said the workshop was designed to bridge knowledge gaps on EIA matters and bring professionals in real estate together to discuss its importance.
He stated that it is now compulsory for all project developers to subject their projects to the EIA process before implementation.
“LASG will not hesitate to enforce compliance in the overriding interest of public safety and sustainable development,” he said.
According to him, this approach aligns with the need to mainstream sustainability into both public and private initiatives across Lagos State.
He urged stakeholders to appreciate the critical role of EIA in project development, stressing that their cooperation would improve project implementation and protect the environment.
He said the collective responsibility of safeguarding the environment was key to building a resilient and liveable Lagos for all residents.
Rotimi-Akodu noted that Lagos remains Nigeria’s preferred investment destination due to its population of over 22 million, modern infrastructure, and sound policies supporting businesses.
He, however, cautioned that rapid industrialisation, new settlements, and coastal reclamation pose serious environmental and social challenges, including pollution and potential irreversible degradation if unmanaged.
He explained that the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources had therefore adopted the EIA process to safeguard public health and ensure sustainable development.
“EIA identifies likely impacts of proposed projects on the environment, health, and socio-economic activities, while providing measures to mitigate adverse effects,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, said the workshop was timely given the state’s ongoing developmental projects.
Gaji stressed that EIA was a global safeguard tool ensuring early identification of impacts and the adoption of strategies to eliminate or mitigate environmental risks.
He said LASG was committed to enhancing compliance and improving stakeholder participation in the EIA process, in line with its T.H.E.M.E.S-PLUS Agenda.
He warned that ignoring environmental impacts could expose Lagos’ fragile ecosystem to further degradation, jeopardising public health and safety.
Dr. Omowunmi Olatunji, Vice President of the Association of Accredited Environmental Consultants of Nigeria, highlighted the numerous benefits of EIA for communities and ecosystems.
She said the process ensures that host communities are carried along, and developers fully understand the environmental and social impacts of their projects.
Mr. Kolawole Mabawonku, a manager at Craneburg Construction Company, said the EIA programme would strengthen company operations and prevent regulatory challenges.
He added that EIA compliance ensures government support and timely approval of project proposals, enabling businesses to operate smoothly while protecting the environment. (NAN)
