The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the ban on cigarette sales to minors as part of its efforts to combat smoking and promote a healthier environment. Babatunde Ajayi, the agency’s General Manager, shared this during the launch of LASEPA’s 2025 initiatives, aimed at enhancing public engagement, environmental monitoring, and regulatory enforcement.
Ajayi emphasized the agency’s focus on enforcing Lagos State’s anti-smoking laws, which prohibit smoking in public spaces. He noted that LASEPA would also intensify efforts to educate the public on the health risks associated with smoking. “Our goal is to make smoking in public spaces a thing of the past while ensuring strict adherence to laws that prevent the sale of cigarettes to minors,” he said.
To improve accessibility and responsiveness, LASEPA is upgrading its public complaints system. According to Ajayi, the agency is deploying new tools that will streamline issue management and provide faster responses. Citizens can now report concerns via multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, email, social media, and the agency’s website.
Ajayi revealed that enhancing communication with the public is a cornerstone of LASEPA’s 2025 agenda. He explained that by strengthening these channels, the agency aims to foster better collaboration and ensure that environmental issues are promptly addressed. The new complaint management systems, he added, will enable more efficient handling of concerns raised by residents.
Additionally, the agency is ramping up its waste oil management campaign to tackle improper disposal of used cooking oil. Ajayi encouraged residents to participate in the initiative by handing over their used oil to designated collectors for safe disposal. This effort aims to minimize environmental hazards and promote sustainable waste management practices.
