By Hauwa Ali
Following the commissioning of the first ISO-certified government-owned laboratory in Nigeria, the Lagos State Government has disclosed that the upgrading of the LASEPA (Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency) Laboratory was a necessity because of the growing population of the state and the need to enhance the capacity of the Agency to effectively deliver on its core mandate of monitoring the environment for safety and sustainability.
State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu disclosed this recently after the commissioning of the ultra-modern laboratory located within the premises of LASEPA.
Represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, the governor said that the upgraded and re-equipped laboratory will further improve the quality of life for Lagosians.
He added that the event demonstrates his commitment to issues relating to the environment and the general well-being of residents of the State.
The Governor said that he was pleased that the Laboratory earned the accreditation of the International Organisation of Standardisation for Quality Management System (ISO/IEC 9001) and Laboratory Management System (ISO/IEC 17025) which now makes LASEPA the first Government-owned environmental laboratory in Nigeria.
“This accreditation has given Lagos State global recognition and acceptance as results generated from this laboratory are consistent and accurate through industry-standard protocols; and in line with best practices obtainable worldwide”. the Governor stated.
Related Posts
Sanwo-Olu urged the Management and Staff of LASEPA, particularly those that would be charged with the responsibility of operating the Laboratory to do so with utmost professional care and a high sense of responsibility.
His words: “The Management must also, always keep in mind that to whom much is given, much is expected in return. Our administration will continue to invest in projects that are consistent with our goal of ensuring a healthy, safe and sustainable environment”.
“As we strive to bring about a more resilient and environmentally sustainable State, we look forward to a more purpose-driven partnership with local and international bodies, academic institutions, researchers and non-governmental organisations”, Sanwo-Olu stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Rotimi Abiru said that the rate of human activities and the huge population of residents as well as the presence of many industries across the State make it compelling for Government to be deliberate about paying attention to the environment.
While noting that the initiative complements LASEPA’s resolve to ensure that all residents of the State have access to quality air to breathe, Hon. Abiru appreciated the General Manager of the Agency and other environment-friendly stakeholders for championing the protection of the Lagos environment.
Giving an overview of the upgraded Laboratory, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe explained that the Laboratory formerly known as the Laboratory Department, serving the then Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning was upgraded by Governor Sanwo-Olu.
According to her, the initiative of the ISO-certified laboratory, was in line with the present administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda which prioritises Health and the Environment, saying that the project resonates with LASEPA’s mandate of safeguarding the environmental quality of the state’s land, air and water resources.
