By Abdullahi Lukman
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) have called for stronger climate action, sustainable urban development and responsible environmental practices as Nigeria joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Environment Day.
Speaking at separate events on Friday, officials of
the two agencies highlighted the growing environmental challenges facing major cities and stressed the need for collective action to safeguard the environment and promote sustainable development.
The General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, expressed concern over the environmental impact of rapid population growth in Lagos, noting that increasing population levels were contributing to rising waste generation, emissions and noise pollution across the state.
Ajayi advocated greater adoption of renewable energy solutions such as solar power and inverter systems, alongside stronger environmental compliance measures and sustained public awareness campaigns to reduce environmental degradation.
He said environmental sustainability requires active participation from residents, businesses and other stakeholders, adding that responsible environmental practices are critical to building a cleaner and healthier Lagos.
Similarly, the Director of the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), Mrs. Kate Ogbonna, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to environmental sustainability through improved waste management, pollution control and public health sanitation measures.
Speaking at the Federal Capital Territory World Environment Day Symposium in Abuja, Ogbonna said rapid urbanisation and climate change were exposing cities to increased flooding, pollution and environmental degradation, making sustainable urban planning more important than ever.
She disclosed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration had continued to implement initiatives aimed at improving environmental sustainability, including the deployment of electric and compressed natural gas buses, revitalisation of the Abuja Light Rail system, expansion of waste management services and infrastructure development in satellite communities.
According to her, these interventions are designed to reduce environmental impacts, improve public transportation and strengthen climate resilience in the nation’s capital.
Also speaking at the symposium, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Chief Felix Obuah, warned that climate change was no longer a distant threat, noting that Abuja was facing increasing environmental pressures arising from rapid population growth and urban expansion.
He urged residents, institutions and policymakers to adopt sustainable practices and strengthen climate resilience through responsible environmental management, effective urban planning and community participation.
The 2026 World Environment Day, themed “Inspired by Nature. For Climate.
For Our Future,” brought together governments, environmental agencies, civil society organisations and private sector stakeholders to discuss solutions to climate change and environmental degradation.
Stakeholders across the country renewed calls for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses and citizens to tackle pollution, flooding, biodiversity loss and other environmental challenges threatening sustainable development.
Both LASEPA and AEPB emphasized that protecting
the environment requires collective responsibility and sustained commitment to climate action, environmental compliance and sustainable development practices.
They urged citizens to support environmental initiatives, embrace cleaner energy alternatives and adopt responsible waste management practices to help build more resilient and sustainable communities.
