Experts seek citizens’ partnership to tackle pollution, urban growth

Environmental experts and government officials have called for stronger collaboration between government and residents to address rising environmental challenges linked to pollution, rapid urbanisation and population growth across the state.

The call was made at the 2026 Annual Retreat of the Environmental Assessment Department of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, with the theme: “Reflect, Review, Refocus and Recommit to Strengthening Environmental Governance for a Sustainable Future in Lagos State.”

In her address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Gaji Omobolaji Tajudeen, described the gathering as a critical moment for reflection, renewal and strategic planning.

 “A retreat is a time to look back at the journey, identify gaps and deliberately plan for the future. Success is not accidental; it is a product of deliberate planning and teamwork,” she said, urging staff at all levels to see environmental governance as a collective responsibility.

He noted that the ministry’s work is a “marathon, not a sprint,” adding that innovation and collaboration were no longer optional but necessary to meet Lagos’ growing environmental challenges.

From the department of geography, university of Lagos, Dr Feyi Oni, in his lecture, commended the state for the depth of its environmental data assessment, describing it as comparable to international standards.

“Very few states have achieved this level of competence in environmental assessment. Lagos has presented a comprehensive 2025 State of the Environment report covering air, water, noise pollution and environmental impact assessments,” he said.

According to Dr Oni, findings revealed pollution hotspots in some areas, including high noise levels in parts of Ojuelegba and Oshodi, as well as concerns about water and air quality.

He said the data provided a strong scientific basis for future policy interventions.

“This is pure scientific analysis. The next stage is to develop policies, laws and prescriptions that will improve environmental quality,” he added.

Dr Oni stressed that the most important takeaway from the retreat was the state’s increasing focus on human-centric environmental governance.

 “The people are carried along. Communities are consulted, traditional rulers are involved, and local residents monitor activities. This has improved compliance significantly over the years,” he said.

He added that awareness campaigns, enforcement and certainty of sanctions had contributed to reduced water pollution, as residents are now more conscious of the consequences of dumping waste into lagoons and drainage channels.

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He noted that rapid urbanisation, population growth and climate change continue to place enormous pressure on Lagos’ environment, making strong enforcement and citizen participation more critical than ever.

The Director of Environmental Assessment, Mr Sojinu Olasunkanmi, said the retreat was organised to review the department’s 2025 performance and refocus for improved service delivery in 2026.

“Our performance last year was good, but we want to do better. We are not satisfied with being good; we want to be excellent,” he said.

He disclosed that recent assessments showed high levels of certain air pollutants, including sulphur oxides and particulate matter, as well as water pollution linked to human activities in some locations.

 “The data has been collected and assessed. The next step is stakeholder engagement, policy formulation and targeted enforcement,” Olasunkanmi said, adding that public awareness must precede enforcement to achieve lasting behavioural change.

He also revealed ongoing studies on groundwater contamination near public cemeteries and reiterated the need for long-term solutions such as improved public water supply to reduce reliance on boreholes.

Resource persons at the retreat emphasised that traditional approaches could no longer deliver current reform objectives, especially in a complex and fast-growing megacity like Lagos.

They stressed the need to move beyond creativity to innovation, defined as the execution of ideas that deliver measurable outcomes.

 “Innovation is judged by results, not intentions,” one of the speakers noted, adding that delays in service delivery often reflect leadership and coordination gaps within institutions.

Participants at the retreat ended with a renewed commitment by the ministry to strengthen innovation, accountability and people-focused service delivery in pursuit of a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Lagos.