By Emmanuel Daniji

Business owners, hoteliers, nightlife operators and a church in different parts of Lagos have been forced to shut their doors after the state environmental regulator moved against establishments it said had repeatedly failed to comply with environmental regulations.

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) sealed 12 establishments during an enforcement operation across Ogba, Idimu-Ikota, Ejigbo, LASU-Iba Road, Igando and Agodo-Egbe.

The operation, carried out on Tuesday, September 22, came after what LASEPA said were repeated warnings, abatement notices and opportunities given to the affected establishments to correct the identified problems.

According to the agency, the violations included noise pollution, failure to comply with environmental directives and, in one case, obstruction of its officials during enforcement.

Among those affected was the Celestial Church of Christ, Aduragbemi Parish, Okerube Bus Stop, Ikotun, which LASEPA said was sealed over noise pollution and non-compliance.

The enforcement also affected several hotels and hospitality businesses, including Marvel Hotel & Suites in Igando, Keviz Hotel & Suites on LASU-Iba Road, DSN Hotel & Suites along the LASU-Igando Road and Nico Hotel & Suites on the Egbe-Isolo Road.

For nightlife operators, the action included the sealing of Thrillz Lounge in Ogba over noise pollution and non-compliance, as well as 10Kobo Night Club in Agodo-Egbe, which LASEPA also linked to noise pollution and failure to comply with its directives.

Other affected establishments were Feixiang Plastic, Rudaj Vegetable Oil, Limas, Master Furniture and Nikky’s Executive Bar & Lounge.

Why LASEPA stepped in

LASEPA said the enforcement was part of its effort to protect public health and ensure that businesses and other organisations operating in Lagos comply with environmental requirements.

The agency’s regulatory responsibilities include monitoring pollution, investigating environmental complaints and enforcing compliance with environmental standards. Its official guidelines specifically provide for monitoring and enforcement against facilities that fail to meet the required standards.

LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, said environmental compliance was a collective responsibility and warned that enforcement would continue against activities that pose risks to the environment and public health.

He urged businesses, religious organisations, scrap dealers and residents to obtain the necessary permits and comply with applicable environmental regulations.

The latest operation is part of a wider enforcement pattern by LASEPA. The agency has carried out similar shutdowns in other parts of Lagos, including operations targeting establishments accused of persistent noise pollution and other environmental breaches.

For the affected businesses, however, the immediate consequence is more direct: doors have been shut and normal operations interrupted until the identified compliance issues are addressed.

LASEPA said operators should adopt environmentally responsible practices and cooperate with the agency to achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos.