‘’CORPORATE CRIMINALITY ’’IN ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENCES: WHEN CITIZENS LACK BASIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ITS STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS.

 

“Àìmọ̀ kì í jẹ́ kó mọ̀ pé òun kò mọ̀.” (Ignorance prevents a person from realizing they are ignorant)

It should not be news. It should be ordinary. The fact that it feels extraordinary tells you everything you need to know about Nigeria's environmental governance crisis — and about the peculiar, persistent stupidity of the elite. We now leave in a world where a truly ignorant person lacks self-awareness and justify government action for personal branding. You don’t speak on the issues you lack basic knowledge about. It is Psuudo-intellectual, Dilettante and Ignoramus.

Not a complex regulatory grey area. Not a contested technical compliance standard. Raw sewage—the most elemental, ancient, and universal of environmental offences — reportedly being discharged either directly or through unapproved connections into drainage systems that feed into Lagos's already dangerously compromised waterways should not be in the news nor what some elite will justify the action on lack of central sewage system in the State.

The stupidity is not intellectual. It is moral, institutional, and cultural. Let us be clear about what we mean by stupidity here. We do not mean cognitive failure. The executives, board members, and facility managers of any corporate organization involved in the discharge of raw sewage into public area by any measurable standard are highly educated, internationally exposed, and demonstrably intelligent people who manage complex derivatives portfolios, navigate multi-jurisdiction regulatory frameworks, and can recite Basel III capital adequacy ratios in their sleep.

Globally, 52% of global wastewater is treated in the Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs). Israel is the world leader in wastewater treatment. Nearly 90% of wastewater in Israel is treated for reuse, most of it in agricultural irrigation. While Israel reuses almost all of its wastewater, Europe recycles merely 60%. Sewage treatment rates in Africa are generally below 30%, with many low-income countries treating less than 10% of their wastewater. The challenges facing waste water treatment in developing countries is beyond governance structure or lack of regulations. A 2024 research by Environmental System indicates lack of investment, inadequate financing for operation and maintenance, shortages of skilled technical personnel etc has part of the problem facing waste water treatment plant infrastructure in most Africa counties.

So when mega structures are built in Nigeria and other many African countries, it is the responsibilities of the developer to put in place a standard waste water treatment plant that will treat the sewage to allowable discharge standard that meet regulations for public discharge purpose. So when an organization fail to meet this standards. It is simple a violation of the law and not the lack of central sewage system by government of municipalities. For example: A joint venture (Sembcorp Nanjing Suiwu) was fined 10 million yuan for illegal discharge of wastewater, with executives jailed, when a treatment system failed to operate properly. Also, Thames Water (UK) was hit with a record penalty (£122.7m fine (2024) by regulator Ofwat for failing to manage sewage treatment works and sewer networks, resulting in frequent spills. So failure to pretreat your sewage or waste water to required standard before discharge is an environmental offence. No justification. No PR stunt nor lawyers, bloggers or economist becoming environmental justices advocate overnight simply because a corporate organization fails in its ESG mandatory principle.

There is a particular cruelty in the fact that most corporate organization involved in corporate environmental criminality are among the Nigerian organization that have most loudly and publicly positioned themselves as champions of sustainability. Not metaphorical sewage. Not ESG-compliance-gap sewage. Literal, physical, bacterial sewage, apparently being discharged in violation of the very environmental laws that most own sustainability frameworks claim to support. This is not a minor contradiction. It is a structural indictment of the way corporate sustainability is practice in Nigeria — as a communications strategy rather than an operational commitment. ESG in its current Nigerian incarnation is largely a document, a website section, a slide in the investor presentation. It is the language spoken to Bloomberg terminals and international development finance institutions. It is emphatically not a culture that reaches down into the facilities management department of most organization and asks the question: where exactly does our sewage go? The gap between the glossy ESG report and the unlicensed sewage pipe is not simply hypocrisy. It is a systems failure — a failure of internal governance, of facility management accountability, of the kind of routine environmental compliance audit that any institution serious about its own stated values would conduct as a matter of course.

 What the corporate closure demonstrates — and why citizens should be happy about is that environmental enforcement does not have to be a tool used only against those too poor or too powerless to fight back. The law, applied uniformly, is a powerful equaliser. The different write up, opinion and comments on social media by citizens who justify the lack of sewage system in Lagos has a justification for organization to discharge untreated sewage into public drain shows the lack of basic environmental education and knowledge about regulation guiding sewage treatment in Lagos. The Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, and the NESREA Act of 2007, are not ambiguous on the question of sewage disposal. They establish clear standards for wastewater treatment, prohibit the discharge of untreated sewage into drainage systems or water bodies, and empower agencies of government to inspect, issue compliance notices, and close down violating premises. The penalties provided under these laws are substantial. Fines can be imposed so also directors and facility managers can, in principle, face personal criminal liability for environmental offences committed by corporate entities.

 So for keypad warriors who wants to justify lack of infrastructure for the basis of their payer’s violation? The law may be unfair and violators end up in prison basically for environmental violation. In practice, penalties have historically been negotiated down, closures have been brief, and prosecutions have been vanishingly rare. This case gives an opportunity not just to fine an institution and reopen its doors — but to establish a precedent: that large-scale violators face large-scale consequences, that remediation orders are enforced, that repeat violations are treated as aggravated offences, and that the personal liability of executives and directors is not merely theoretical.

In going forward, when a corporate organisation commits an offence, the Facility manager responsible for the sewage system and the senior executive with operational oversight responsibility should be named, cautioned, and required to appear before environmental regulators. Corporate accountability without personal accountability is a half-measure that the elite is exceptionally skilled at surviving. The question now is whether every corporate organization will treat this incident as the embarrassment to be managed, or the wake-up call to be heeded. Whether sustainability commitments will be revised from the top of the ESG report down to the basement of facilities management department. Whether every corporate organization that talks about environmental stewardship in its annual report will ensure that the actual physical environment in and around its operations meets the standards it publicly claims to champion. This is same to every corporate headquarters, luxury hotel, shopping mall, and high-rise residential development in Lagos. Lagos action to corporate closure should be a mirror — uncomfortable, clarifying — held up to every facility manager who has taken a shortcut, every compliance officer who has looked the other way, and every executive who has assumed that the rules governing where sewage goes were someone else's problem.

There is a version of Lagos achievable, necessary and urgent in which the law applies equally to every corporate organization and to the roadside food vendor. In which the penalty for polluting the Lagos Lagoon is the same whether the polluter is a factory in Mushin or a glass tower in Marina. In which the elite cannot buy its way out of the basic obligations of urban citizenship. That version of Lagos requires exactly the kind of enforcement action that was taken here — applied consistently, transparently, and without deference to the size of the violator's balance sheet or the length of corporate image.  The closure of a corporate organization for sewage disposal is not, in the end, a story about one organization. It is a stress test of a principle: that environmental law in Lagos means what it says, for everyone, at every address.

The lagoon does not care about your ESG report. It cannot be impressed by your sustainability committee. It is simply a body of water, shared by 23 million people, receiving what is poured into it — and responding, inevitably, with the only answer nature knows: consequence. By fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainable practices, the elite can play a pivotal role in protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of local communities. Moving forward, it is essential that all stakeholders prioritize environmental stewardship to create a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

For keypad warriors when the law reaches upward instead of downward, when accountability lands not on the roadside hawker or the Agege mechanic, but on the gleaming glass tower of corporate power government should be commended not criticized. Let Lagos breath.

 “Èkó ò gba gbẹ̀gẹ̀.” (Lagos does not tolerate nonsense).

 

 

THE SILENT SHADOW OF NIGERIA'S SOLAR BOOM: MANAGING OFF-GRID RENEWABLE ENERGY WASTE IN LAGOS AND BEYOND.

 

The short lifetime of lead-acid batteries in solar home systems can significantly increase their life-cycle environmental impacts. Studies show that under such conditions, the global warming potential can reach up to 1.4 kg CO₂ per kWh delivered, which may exceed the impacts of diesel generators in several environmental impact categories.

 

The sight is becoming familiar across Lagos—gleaming solar panels perched on rooftops in Lekki, Ikeja, Yaba and other rural communities around Lagos silently powering homes and businesses through the city's notorious grid collapses. From the bustling markets of the mainland to the expanding estates in Victoria Island, solar energy has become the quiet hero of Lagos living. About one-third of Nigerians still lack access to electricity, and for those connected to the grid, frequent blackouts remain a frustrating reality. Access to electricity has long been a symbol of progress and development, and we can’t deny that this development indicator is not waxing strong for Nigeria.  Across Nigeria and other parts of the developing world, off-grid solar technologies have emerged as a beacon of hope, powering millions of homes that national grids cannot reach or have consistently not served. Solar home systems and pico-solar lamps are transforming lives —lighting homes, charging phones, and enabling children to study after sunset.

This solar revolution is real and accelerating. Nigeria's solar capacity reached approximately 385–400 MWp by the end of 2024, placing the nation among the top five solar adopters in Africa. Solar imports soared nearly 94 per cent in 2023 alone. For millions of Lagosians, solar power means children can study after dark, small businesses can stay open longer, and families can escape the choking fumes of generators. But as the sun powers Nigeria's future, a shadow grows in its light. What happens when today's gleaming panels and batteries reach the end of their useful lives? Without urgent action, Lagos could face an environmental crisis that transforms the promise of clean energy into a new form of pollution—one that threatens the health of communities across the city and state.

The Scale of the Coming Challenge

To understand the challenge, consider the numbers. Every solar panel installed today has a lifespan of 20 to 25 years. Every battery—typically three to five years. This means that the explosive growth in solar adoption now guarantees an equally explosive wave of waste, particularly electronic waste, in the decades ahead. Projections are sobering, and solar panel e-waste metrics in Nigeria are expected to surge from 3.3 million kilograms in 2021 to 60.3 million kilograms by 2040. If Nigeria scales solar photovoltaic capacity to 30,000 MW— a plausible target given current growth, over 280 million batteries will be needed over time, each requiring proper disposal. The volume of batteries from the renewable sector alone could hit 200 million tonnes by 2040; these are not abstract figures. In Lagos, where population density is among Africa's highest and land is at a premium, millions of spent batteries and decommissioned panels will need somewhere to go. Without preparation, that "somewhere" could be the city's already overstretched dumpsites, or worse, open spaces, drainage channels, and informal dumpsites in densely populated communities.

The Toxic Reality: What's Inside "Clean" Energy?

When discarded, solar panels and batteries become electronic waste, non-degradable materials that pose serious threats to ecosystems. The most immediate danger comes from batteries. These lead-acid batteries, still widely used in Nigerian solar installations due to their affordability, contain lead—a potent neurotoxin that causes irreversible brain damage and cellular disruption, to name a few. When these batteries are disposed of inappropriately, they can leak into soil and groundwater, and the health impacts are severe. Lead exposure permanently affects children's brain development. Even lithium-ion batteries, increasingly common in newer installations, contain materials that can contaminate soil and water if not handled properly. Unfortunately, when untrained scavengers recover materials from leaking/waste batteries, they risk exposure to toxic contents and contaminate the environment, particularly water and soil. While lead-acid batteries are the most damaging component—occupying 54 - 99% of each environmental impact category in lifecycle assessments—they are not the only concern. Solar home systems contain a variety of materials, including printed circuit boards, plastics, and photovoltaic panels.

The Regulatory Vacuum: Nigeria's Legal Blind Spot

Here is the uncomfortable truth: Nigeria has enthusiastically embraced solar energy without putting in place the legal framework to manage the waste it will create, consider what this means in practice. No law compels a solar company, equipment importer, or system owner to ensure that panels and batteries are properly recycled at end-of-life. No regulations require setting aside funds for future decommissioning. No agency has clear authority to track solar waste or enforce safe disposal. This vacuum matters because solar equipment doesn't simply disappear. Unlike the familiar generators they replace—which at least can be sold for scrap metal—solar panels and modern batteries require specialized recycling processes and without legal requirements, the path with least resistance is dumping.

Lagos at the Frontlines

Lagos finds itself at the epicenter of both the solar boom and the coming waste challenge. As Nigeria's commercial capital and largest city, Lagos accounts for a substantial share of solar installations. The same factors that make solar attractive—unreliable grid power, high fuel costs, and a population willing to invest in alternatives—also concentrate the waste stream. The good news is that Lagos is also where solutions are beginning to emerge.  The Lagos Electricity Law, 2024, aims to,

1.        create a commercially and technically sound Market that is well-funded and financially viable;

2.        facilitate the delivery of affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern public electricity access to consumers in the State;

3.        facilitate investment and innovation within the Market;

4.        incentivise the behaviour of licensees, electricity consumers, investors and other market participants, ensuring the delivery of constant, reliable and cost-efficient electricity supply to consumers in the State; and

5.        promote the provision of off-grid solutions for households, and micro, small and medium-scale enterprises in the State

For us in Lagos, to set a good example in solving problems related to the solar boom, we must put in place a strong regulatory framework. The National Policy for the Management of Used Off-Grid Renewable Energy Equipment (OGREE) is in its final stage. However, the State government can set up guidelines that mandate:

 

1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Manufacturers and importers should be required to: Take back expired equipment, Finance recycling programs and Establish collection points. This shifts responsibility from communities to producers.

2. Battery Collection & Recycling Systems

The government can mandate a deposit-return system that will encourage: licensing certified recyclers, prohibiting informal battery dismantling, and creating buy-back incentives to ensure an environmentally friendly system for managing battery collection and recycling.

3. Environmental Education and Public Awareness

Environmental education is key to solving new environmental changes. Users must understand that batteries should not be dumped and that the risks of informal dismantling are harmful to health and the environment. Community education is essential.

Conclusion

Off-grid renewable energy is a powerful tool for development and climate mitigation, yet sustainability must extend beyond installation. Managing solar panels, batteries, and electronic components responsibly ensures that clean energy does not create a hidden pollution problem. The alternative is unacceptable: millions of solar devices bringing not just power to homes but also lead poisoning to children, toxic pollution to communities, and environmental damage that undermines the very benefits solar energy promises, just because their waste wasn’t handled appropriately. For Lagos residents—whether you live in Lekki, Ikeja, or the mainland—the message is simple: “Your solar panels and batteries will not last forever. When they fail, how you dispose of them matters.” Where you buy your equipment matters, as does which companies you support.

The goal is power without poison—clean energy that remains clean at every stage of its life. Nigeria has the opportunity to build that future, the foundations are being laid now. As citizens, we have the right to clean energy and clean communities. We have the right to Clean Energy Access without poison. The question is whether we will demand it. The next phase of renewable energy expansion must integrate:

• Lifecycle planning
• Waste management systems
• Regulatory reform
• Private sector accountability

Clean energy must also mean clean disposal.

INFERNO IN LAGOS: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF FIRE DISASTERS AND BUILDING A RESILIENT MEGACITY.

 

Lagos, Africa’s most populous megacity and Nigeria’s economic heartbeat, is perennially engulfed by a different kind of blaze. Every year end just before the New Year, fire incidents in Lagos become so severe. The severity of the fire incidents has also ramped up, like it’s auditioning for a disaster movie, while the number of incidents has been on the rise, the type of fires has also evolved as it’s no longer are we just talking about the occasional kitchen flare-up. We're now faced with large-scale infernos, often devastating entire neighborhoods. The damage is not just reputational, it is embarrassing to professionals. When it comes to where these fires are popping up, it's a hot mess! Areas with high population density, particularly markets and commercial places. Examples of such places are Lagos Island and parts of Mainland are infamous for their fire outbreaks, often fueled by overcrowded living situations and the attitude of the citizen to fire incidents.

Headlines scream: emergency services scramble, and losses are counted in billions of Naira, most painfully lives are lost and thereafter the social media war begins. From the ethnic keypad warrior, to the no knowledge professional of everything and the master of every subject at the newspaper stand, analysis begins and ends with government is not capable, they lack infrastructure and all sort of talk. Similar all incidents, fire occurrence knows no infrastructure nor expertise., if you don’t stop fire incident within the window of spread, It will become a disaster.

 

 While we are still grieving for our own in Lagos, around 40 people died after a fire ripped through a bar in a ski resort in southern Switzerland and a further 115 people were injured; many of those wounded were "severe”. An unconfirmed primary investigation revealed that sparklers on the champagne bottles, which came too close to the ceiling, likely caused the fire.   Likewise, on December 23, 1995, about 1500 parents and children gathered for the Annual Day celebration of DAV Public School, Mandi, Haryana, India. The function was arranged under a canopy in the compound of Rajiv Marriage Palace. Suddenly, a huge fire blazed from the sparks of a short circuit in an electric generator. The fire spread within a minute and blocked the main entrance. More than 500 people, including 258 children, became victims of this ferocious mishap. These two incidents, one recent and the other not too far, clearly show that fire incidents rely on prevention rather than cure. For you to stop fire incidents, all fire and safety protocols must be addressed, especially human-induced. 

 

For us in Lagos, after the smoke clears, a cycle of temporary outrage and investigations, only for the cycle to repeat months later. Based on research and statistical data analysis of all fire incidents in Lagos, the fire incidents are more to do with human activities rather than lack of infrastructure. The fire incidents are often fueled by a combination of factors: urban overcrowding, inadequate safety measures, and a lack of awareness. How many of the resident know the direct fire service number or know the Emergency call number - 767/112 for Lagos State. Citizens will rather believe that the lines are not working or the fire trucks don’t have water than calling to save time and ensure things are done properly. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of fire incidents in Lagos, the likely causes and the way forward to enhance fire safety and community resilience.

 

The Anatomy of a Disaster: Why Lagos Keeps Burning?

What’s igniting the flames in Lagos? A blend of common culprits—poor electrical wiring, cooking accidents, and flammable materials piled higher than your average Nigerian jollof pot. Beyond that, carelessness of the citizens and open burning practices add fuel to the fire—quite literally. It’s as if the city has become a high-stakes game of ‘who can start the biggest fire,’ and unfortunately, innocent bystanders are losing. Lagos Fire Services responded to 1,072 emergencies in the first half of 2025, including 922 confirmed fire incidents. (The Guardian Nigeria). In that period, there were 62 fatalities linked to fire and related emergencies, and significant property salvage was achieved despite notable losses. (Afripost Newspaper). In 2024, Lagos recorded about 1,749 fire incidents, with 75% attributed to carelessness and preventable causes. (Tribune Online)

The root causes of these incessant fires are well-documented and interlinked, however 80% of these incidents are preventable. The leading causes of fire incidents in Lagos are: 

a. The Electrical Fault Epidemic: A significant majority of fires are traced to “electrical faults.” This benign term often masks illegal connections, overloaded and ageing grids, substandard wiring, and the widespread use of uncertified electrical equipment. The erratic power supply forces reliance on generators and improvised connections, multiplying the risks. From the rich to the poor, there are no details to electrical wiring hence Illegal connections are the other of the day. A visit to most commercial premises and markets, one will wonder why our markets wouldn’t burn at the sight of different wiring connections running across the markets especially if they are traditional markets.

b. Dangerous co-location of Activities: The infamous market fires highlight the lethal mix of residential quarters, storage of flammable goods (textiles, petrol, chemicals), and active commercial activity in narrow, inaccessible lanes. A single spark can become an uncontrollable conflagration within minutes. Storage classification is not in our books, so goods are co-mingled - hazardous to non-hazardous materials. Even in market, class separations are not done, you can find some refilling gas shop close to someone selling clothes and books. Examples like this are abundant in our markets and commercial premises.

 

c. Public Awareness & Attitude Gap: A culture of safety is often absent. Basic knowledge of fire prevention, use of extinguishers, and evacuation plans is low among citizens. Ignorance and negligence, such as storing flammable materials close to ignition source are prevalent practices. For two months in collaboration with Lekki Estate Residents & Stakeholders Association, I delivered free lectures on Fire and Environmental Education, this brought to the fore the dearth of knowledge with regards to fire prevention. From my personal assessment only 35% of residents I came across with during the lecture sessions have a basic fire prevention knowledge. I was particularly surprised as the caliber of people I was engaging, I had expected that an average resident to be more informed about basic life safety, however was totally lacking. So, I wondered, what do you expect from traders in market and commercial building where profit is the order of the day.

 

The Way Forward:

Lagos has a firefighting force that’s more than equipped to handle fire, but if the communities are not ready to be part of the prevention, it will take us a long time to get it right. Let’s be real, most people don’t think about fire safety until they are having a barbecue. It’s time to change that narrative! Community awareness and training programs can work wonders. Workshops that teach residents how to use fire extinguishers, conduct drills, and recognise fire hazards, all of can save lives. Collaborating with local leaders and influencers can also help spread the word, making safety the next trendy topic at neighbourhood gatherings.

Moving from reaction to prevention requires a courageous, sustained, and collaborative effort. Here is a multi-pronged blueprint for the way forward:

a.      Implement the "Fire Safety First" Policy for all commercial/market and large residential areas. Markets must be redesigned. This includes creating central, safe storage warehouses away from trading stalls, mandating fire-resistant materials for stalls, enforcing wide access corridors, and instituting a market-wide fire warden system.

b.     Launch "Lagos Fire-Wise" Community Programme: A massive, sustained public education campaign using radio jingles, social media, and community town halls in local languages. Train community volunteers as first responders and establish neighbourhood watch programs focused on fire hazards.

c.      Ruthlessly Enforce Building Codes: mandatory, periodic fire safety checks/ certifications for all commercial and high-density residential buildings must be enforced. No certificate/inspection clearance, no operation. Demolition of severely non-compliant structures must be a last-resort to serve as a deterrent.

d.     Incentivize Whistleblowing: Create anonymous channels for citizens to report dangerous electrical installations, illegal fuel storage, and blocked fire access routes  amongst others to punish those who want to profits on other‘s misery.

e.     Technology upgrades: the use of technology in combatting fire is growing so we must join the train. Installation of Internet of Thngs fire detection in major commercial and large residential buildings is key. Also, the use of drone for rapid situational assessment and early detections of fires especially in high-rise building is very important.

 

The government cannot do this alone, while the state must lead with policy, enforcement, and investment, the responsibility is collective. Landlords must install basic safety equipment; market associations must prioritise safety over space maximisation. Companies must adhere to standards and every citizen must cultivate a mindset of prevention. The repeated fires in Lagos are more than disasters; they are a burning indictment of our collective negligence.

The way forward is clear, it demands moving from temporary grief and blame to permanent, systemic action. The goal must be to ensure that the next headline about a fire in Lagos is not about a catastrophic loss, but about a disaster that was prevented. Our city’s future, its economic vitality, and the lives of its citizens depend on the choices we make today.

Greater Lagos is rising.  Join the train.

 

REFLECTING ON 2025, VISION FOR 2026: A YEAR OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWAKENING IN LAGOS

As I reflect on 2025, I take pride in the progress made in advancing environmental stewardship. The year reinforced my conviction that environmental protection is not merely a policy objective, but a public service with direct impact on people and communities. Through sustained commitment and education, I witnessed the powerful intersection of science, governance, and community action in shaping safer and more sustainable cities. Each challenge further clarified my purpose: to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the future of Lagos.

Through my work across various environmental initiatives, including the Lagos Citizen Awareness Video, I catalysed critical conversations on environmental stewardship across the city. From bustling markets to corporate offices, Lagosians were encouraged to recognise the often unseen yet vital role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in safeguarding our ecosystem amid rapid urbanisation.

The city faces mounting challenges—rising sea levels, escalating waste generation, and unregulated development—which continue to test collective resolve. Driven by a strong commitment to sustainable growth, I have actively collaborated with communities, policymakers, and young people to translate awareness into meaningful action. The Young Leaders for Sustainable Environment Programme reinforces my conviction that a new generation of leaders is ready to advance environmental protection and conservation into the future.

In 2026, I step forward with a deeper resolve to innovate, collaborate, and communicate impact more clearly. My goal is simple yet demanding: stronger systems, informed citizens, and development that respects both people and the environment. In 2026, I envision a greener horizon with renewed energy. I'll expand EIA initiatives to coastal communities, integrating AI tools for real-time monitoring and citizen reporting. My vision for Lagos? A Lagos where development harmonises with nature—cleaner air, thriving mangroves, and empowered residents. I plan to envision a Lagos Blue-Green Sustainability Plan that will make Lagos Urban Heat resilient. Let's embrace this momentum: reflect on lessons learned, commit to bold steps, and build a legacy of resilience. My passion is the catalyst; together, we'll make 2026 our year of triumph and make Lagos a better place for all.

 

REFLECTING ON 2025, VISION FOR 2026: A YEAR OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWAKENING IN LAGOS

As I reflect on 2025, I take pride in the progress made in advancing environmental stewardship. The year reinforced my conviction that environmental protection is not merely a policy objective, but a public service with direct impact on people and communities. Through sustained commitment and education, I witnessed the powerful intersection of science, governance, and community action in shaping safer and more sustainable cities. Each challenge further clarified my purpose: to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and the future of Lagos.

Through my work across various environmental initiatives, including the Lagos Citizen Awareness Video, I catalysed critical conversations on environmental stewardship across the city. From bustling markets to corporate offices, Lagosians were encouraged to recognise the often unseen yet vital role of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) in safeguarding our ecosystem amid rapid urbanisation.

The city faces mounting challenges—rising sea levels, escalating waste generation, and unregulated development—which continue to test collective resolve. Driven by a strong commitment to sustainable growth, I have actively collaborated with communities, policymakers, and young people to translate awareness into meaningful action. The Young Leaders for Sustainable Environment Programme reinforces my conviction that a new generation of leaders is ready to advance environmental protection and conservation into the future.

In 2026, I step forward with a deeper resolve to innovate, collaborate, and communicate impact more clearly. My goal is simple yet demanding: stronger systems, informed citizens, and development that respects both people and the environment. In 2026, I envision a greener horizon with renewed energy. I'll expand EIA initiatives to coastal communities, integrating AI tools for real-time monitoring and citizen reporting. My vision for Lagos? A Lagos where development harmonises with nature—cleaner air, thriving mangroves, and empowered residents. I plan to envision a Lagos Blue-Green Sustainability Plan that will make Lagos Urban Heat resilient. Let's embrace this momentum: reflect on lessons learned, commit to bold steps, and build a legacy of resilience. My passion is the catalyst; together, we'll make 2026 our year of triumph and make Lagos a better place for all.

LOCAL PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES: AN ASSESSMENT OF BUSHMEAT MARKETS IN LAGOS.

 

“Did you know that right now, over 40,000 species around the world are at risk of extinction? From majestic tigers and gentle elephants to tiny frogs and rare orchids — life on Earth is disappearing at an alarming rate. These are not just numbers. Each species plays a unique role in the web of life — and when one vanishes, the entire ecosystem feels the impact.”

 

 

Tropical rainforests are the best-known type of rainforests and are the most biodiverse terrestrial ecosystem in the world and covering about 3.6% of the earth’s surface, with the second largest in Africa as the Congo Basin. African Rainforests are species-rich and occur in two main rainforest blocks – West/Central and East Africa. However, they are less diverse than other tropical rainforested regions such as the Neotropics and South East Asia. (Brée et al., 2020)

 

Bushmeat, the meat of wild animals, is one of the most valuable tropical rainforest products after timber, and it’s an important source of protein widely consumed as it has been a part of the local diet for centuries.  According to Davies 2002, national estimation of the value of the domestic trade in bush meat ranges from US$42 to US$205 million across countries in West and Central Africa. The level of exploitation and consumption varies by location, but availability has been identified as a major driver; however, other drivers include but are not limited to government control on hunting, socio-economic status and cultural prohibitions. Overexploitation of natural resources, which includes Illegal Wildlife Trade, is  now a major concern as it might be an even bigger driver of biodiversity loss than climate change, hence biodiversity conservation is a  global priority. One of the forms of this crime is wildlife trafficking, which has sharply increased during the last decade (ONUDC, 2013, Banjade et al., 2020).

 

In Nigeria, although the Nigerian government has, over the years, promulgated many environmental protection laws, including the Endangered Species Acts of 1985, “which prohibits capturing, killing, and trading in certain species of wild animals whose population is either threatened or endangered”, with relevant sanctions for the violators, hunting of wild animals has continued unabated.  More recently, on Wednesday May 28, 2025, the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill 2024 successfully passed its final and third reading in the House of Representatives in Nigeria and has been passed to the Senate for concurrence. This bill will enhance Nigeria’s response to serious ad organized wildlife trafficking and introduce stricter penalties for wildlife crime.

 

A preliminary investigation was conducted in selected local markets in Lagos. Primary results indicate the presence of various species of bushmeat in the markets. It was evident that Maxwell duiker/Etu (Cephalophus maxweli), Grasscutter/Oya (Thryonomys swinderianus), Giant rat/Okete (Cricetomys gambianus), Mona monkey/Obo (Cercopithecus mona), Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), and Hyrax/Ofafa (Dendrohyrax dorsalis) were available in the various markets. In the next few weeks, this inquiry will be concluded, and the full list of animals found in the markets will be presented and categorised based on the IUCN list.   

 

WETLANDS: NATURE’S HIDDEN TREASURE

 

Wetlands are like the cool, laid-back cousins of the ecosystem family. They're areas where the land meets the water, creating a unique and rich habitat for various plants and critters. Generally, they are described as areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the surface for varying periods. They are transitional zones between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, playing a crucial role in biodiversity, water purification, and climate regulation.

 

TYPES OF WETLANDS

Just like there are different flavors of ice cream, there are different types of wetlands. From marshes to swamps to bogs, each type has its characteristics that make it special. Wetlands are classified into different types based on water source, vegetation, and geographical location. The various classifications are:

Marshes – Dominated by herbaceous plants like reeds and grasses, found in freshwater and saltwater environments.

Swamps – Characterized by woody vegetation such as trees and shrubs, found in floodplains and coastal areas.

Bogs – Nutrient-poor wetlands with acidic waters, mainly fed by rainwater and covered with peat moss.

Fens – Similar to bogs but receive water from groundwater sources, making them less acidic and richer in minerals.

Mangroves – Coastal wetlands found in tropical and subtropical regions, dominated by salt-tolerant mangrove trees.

Peatlands – Wetlands with accumulated organic matter (peat), storing large amounts of carbon.

IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS

Wetlands provide various ecological and economic benefits:

✅ Biodiversity Hotspots – Home to many plant and animal species, including birds, amphibians, fish, and insects.

✅ Water Filtration – Remove pollutants, sediments, and excess nutrients from water.

✅ Flood Control – Absorb excess water during heavy rainfall, reducing flood risks.

✅ Carbon Sequestration – Store large amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change.

✅ Erosion Prevention – Stabilize shorelines and riverbanks.

✅ Livelihood Support – Provide resources like fish, timber, and medicinal plants for local communities.

✅ Recreation and Tourism – Attract visitors for birdwatching, boating, and nature exploration.

Consequently, wetlands are crucial for:

·      Ecosystem Services Provided

Wetlands aren't just pretty to look at; they do a lot of work behind the scenes. They help filter water, control floods, and provide a home for wildlife.

·      Climate Regulation

Think of wetlands as nature's little air purifiers. They store carbon dioxide, helping to slow down climate change and keep our planet in balance.

 

·      Biodiversity Protection

Wetlands are like botanical gardens on steroids. You'll find all sorts of unique plants, from water lilies to cattails, thriving in these watery wonderlands. If you're a fan of bird-watching, wetlands are the place to be. They're a hotspot for all kinds of birds, as well as fish, amphibians, and other critters looking to make a splash.

Threats to Wetlands

Wetlands are under threat due to human activities, including:

🚨 Urbanization – Draining wetlands for infrastructure and agriculture.

🚨 Pollution – Industrial and agricultural runoff contaminating water sources.

🚨 Climate Change – Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns affecting water levels.

🚨 Deforestation – Loss of wetland vegetation affecting ecosystem balance.

🚨 Overexploitation – Excessive fishing, hunting, and resource extraction.

 

Unfortunately, we humans aren't always the best neighbors to wetlands. Pollution, habitat destruction, and draining for development are just some of the threats these valuable ecosystems face. Also, threats from invasive species are like the party crashers of the wetland world. They disrupt the delicate balance of these habitats, out-competing native species and causing all sorts of trouble.

WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD? 

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that are facing threats from human activities such as pollution and urban development. Conservation and restoration efforts are essential to protect these valuable habitats for future generations. Action such as:

Government Policies and Initiatives

Government bodies play a crucial role in preserving wetlands through the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at conservation. These can include regulations on development near wetlands, funding for restoration projects, and designation of protected areas. 

Community-Based Conservation Projects

Local communities also play a significant role in wetland conservation through grassroots initiatives. Community-based projects such as clean-up efforts, habitat restoration, and educational programs help raise awareness and involve people in protecting these natural treasures.

Community Engagement through Ecotourism

Ecotourism initiatives not only benefit visitors but also local communities living near wetlands. By creating economic opportunities through tourism, communities are incentivized to protect and conserve wetland habitats, fostering a sense of stewardship and collaboration for the long-term preservation of these natural treasures.

Research and Innovation in Wetland Conservation

Continued research and innovation are key to understanding the complexities of wetland ecosystems and developing effective conservation strategies. By investing in scientific studies, technological advancements, and collaborative partnerships, we can enhance our efforts to conserve and restore wetlands for the benefit of both nature and humanity.

As we join the rest of the world to celebrate this year's World Wetland Day 2025,  it becomes clear that these ecosystems are not just landscapes of water and vegetation, but intricate and invaluable habitats that deserve our attention and protection. Let us continue to cherish and safeguard nature's hidden treasures, the wetlands, as they serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness and resilience of our planet's delicate ecosystems.