LASEPA HOLDS OIL, GAS STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM, CALLS FOR STRONGER COLLABORATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE. (PHOTO). #PRESS RELEASE

 LASEPA HOLDS OIL, GAS STAKEHOLDERS’ FORUM, CALLS FOR STRONGER COLLABORATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

In its efforts to strengthen environmental compliance and promote sustainable practices in the oil and gas sector, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has organised an Oil and Gas Stakeholders’ Forum with the theme, “Strengthening Regulatory Compliance through Stakeholders’ Collaboration in the Oil and Gas Sector.”

The forum, held at the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry  Conference and Exhibition Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, brought together relevant government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry operators, technical experts, associations and other stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to deliberate on environmental challenges and develop practical approaches towards improved compliance.

Speaking at the forum, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi Akodu, described the engagement as timely and significant, noting that although the oil and gas sector remains an important contributor to economic development, its operations also carry environmental responsibilities that must be taken seriously.

Eng. Akodu, who was represented by the Director, /Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, noted that issues relating to emissions, effluent discharge, waste management, noise pollution, hazardous materials and environmental impacts require continuous attention, particularly in a dynamic and economically active city such as Lagos.

According to him, environmental protection should be regarded as a shared responsibility, stressing that the objective of government is not merely to regulate businesses but to work collaboratively with industry operators to promote responsible operations, environmental compliance and sustainable development.

The Special Adviser called on participants to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, identify practical solutions and build a stronger culture of environmental responsibility, assuring that the Lagos State Government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic activities while safeguarding the health and well-being of residents.

Also speaking, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, said the forum was organised to foster collaboration between regulators and operators and reduce over-reliance on enforcement as the primary means of achieving compliance.

Dr Ajayi, who was represented by the Director, Alimosho  Zonal Office, Mr Kayode Bello, noted that effective environmental management and regulation could not be achieved by the government alone, stressing the need for active participation, cooperation and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

Dr Ajayi stated that LASEPA’s responsibility extends beyond enforcement, explaining that the Agency is increasingly focusing on engagement, education, partnership, innovation and continuous improvement in its regulatory approach.

In his presentation titled “Environmental Compliance in Petrol and Gas Filling Stations: The Role of Regulators and Facility Operators,” the Chairman, House Committee on Environment (Parastatals), Hon. Adebola Rasheed Shabi, stressed that effective environmental regulation goes beyond enforcement.

He called for stronger collaboration among LASEPA, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Lagos State Safety Commission and other relevant agencies to ensure comprehensive compliance within the oil and gas sector.

He particularly emphasised the need for proper environmental impact assessments for new petrol and gas stations, noting that regulatory agencies must work together to prevent environmental and public safety challenges associated with poorly planned facilities.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (Office of Urban Development), Engr. Adeyemi emphasised the importance of integrating physical planning with environmental management.

The Director, Urban Policy and Research Development, Mr Ayodeji Awolesi, explained that prospective operators seeking to establish petrol or gas stations are required to first obtain planning information to determine whether the proposed location is suitable for such development.

The Permanent Secretary explained that after obtaining the appropriate planning information, prospective operators would then proceed to obtain the necessary approvals from relevant agencies, including LASEPA and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), before the final approval process.

 

The Head, Environmental Management, Host Community and Sustainability, NMDPRA, Dr. Lucy Okeke, noted that regulatory compliance should not be viewed solely from the perspective of enforcement, but also from its economic, health and environmental benefits.

She explained that NMDPRA regularly engages operators, members of the public and other regulatory agencies through stakeholder consultations, stressing that continuous engagement remains essential to achieving improved compliance in the oil and gas sector.