Get Guardian on GoogleLASCOPA recovers N759 million for consumers in six years
Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has revealed that it had in the last 30 years of its existence, carried out at least 30,000 environmental enforcement, including noise pollution, which are aimed at protecting residents from environmental hazards.
General Manager of the agency, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, disclosed this while speaking at an event to mark the 30th anniversary of LASEPA in Lagos.
Ajayi said that the agency had consistently undertaken more than 1,000 noise-related enforcement actions yearly since its establishment, covering businesses, industrial facilities, religious institutions and residential premises where necessary.
RELATEDLY, the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) said it had recovered N759.35 million and $14,901.80 in billing adjustments and direct refunds for aggrieved consumers over the past six years.
The agency also disclosed that it had resolved 10,720 consumer complaints out of 11,120 received across various sectors, including banking, aviation, real estate, e-commerce, logistics, telecommunications and utilities.
He disclosed this while reflecting on LASEPA’s three decades of environmental regulation and enforcement, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to assess the agency’s achievements and chart a course for the future.
Ajayi, who identified noise pollution monitoring, digitalisation of operations and expansion of enforcement activities as some of the areas where LASEPA had recorded progress, said the agency had digitised its operations, enabling residents to submit and track environmental complaints through its online portal, irrespective of their location within the state.
However, the Permanent Secretary, Environmental Services, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Dr Omobolaji Gaji, enjoined enforcement officers to carry out their duties with a human face.
He implored them to educate residents about compliance and help them to comply.
General Manager of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, disclosed this while reviewing the agency’s activities since his appointment by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on November 5, 2020.
According to Solebo, 250 complaints remain under mediation, while 150 others have been referred to relevant regulatory bodies.
He said the financial recoveries represented refunds and billing adjustments secured for consumers who reported cases of alleged unfair business practices and other marketplace disputes.
