The Lagos State Government has made a startling revelation about environmental pollution in the commercial capital, identifying more than 4,000 companies whose operational activities are releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Stakeholders Convene for Climate Action
This significant disclosure emerged during the second stakeholders' engagement on implementing the Lagos Greenhouse Gas Registry (GHGR), which brought together government officials, environmental experts, industry representatives, and civil society groups. The meeting focused on developing concrete strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable practices throughout Lagos State.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), addressed participants directly, emphasizing that the engagement aimed to increase awareness among stakeholders about their environmental responsibilities. He stressed the importance of establishing effective systems for tracking and verifying emissions across all economic sectors in the state.
How the Greenhouse Gas Registry Works
Dr. Ajayi explained that the registry would serve as a crucial instrument for monitoring and controlling environmental pollution while simultaneously facilitating the transition to green energy and low-emission practices. He noted that this structured approach would help identify specific emission sources, streamline the implementation of mitigation measures, and strengthen Lagos State's commitment to international climate change agreements.
Mrs. Ayodele Oso, Director of the Air Quality and Emissions Control Unit at LASEPA, provided additional details about the registry's purpose as a centralized platform for tracking emissions across Lagos. She highlighted that this initiative would enhance climate resilience by ensuring accurate reporting of greenhouse gas emissions from key sectors.
According to Oso, the registry is designed to become a model for other Nigerian states, promoting transparency and accountability in emissions reporting while encouraging all stakeholders to actively participate in reducing environmental pollution.
Technical Framework and Compliance Requirements
Dr. Mofoluso Fagbeja, lead consultant at TPHG Technologies Limited, offered technical insights into the registry's operational mechanisms. He explained that all activities had been categorized by sector and sub-sector to determine the sources and volume of emissions generated by organizations.
Dr. Fagbeja revealed that among the over 4,000 companies identified within Lagos State, 1,591 have already been geo-coded to facilitate efficient data collection and distribution. He added that backend emission inventories would calculate and measure different greenhouse gases according to international standards, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the collected data.
The technical and regulatory alignments of the Lagos Greenhouse Gas Registry (LGHGR) were presented by Mary Ayodeji of TPHG Technologies Limited. She detailed how the registry's design aligns with multiple frameworks including:
- The Lagos State Environmental Law 2017
- Guidelines and methodologies of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change standards
- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
Government officials emphasized that compliance with the new registry is critical for all identified companies. While non-compliance will be subject to investigation and potential penalties, the registry is primarily designed to encourage adherence through cooperation rather than punishment, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and stewardship among Lagos businesses.
