In a bid to foster sustainable development, the Lagos State Government has called upon stakeholders in the built and environmental sectors to adopt Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as an indispensable tool for effective environmental management.
During a recent stakeholder engagement session aimed at integrating Environmental Impact Assessment and safeguard instruments into developmental projects at Alausa, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, emphasized the significance of this approach.
Represented by the Director of Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, Wahab underscored that EIA plays a crucial role in recognizing both the potential adverse and beneficial impacts of a project. The primary objective is to implement measures to mitigate any detrimental effects, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
Wahab asserted, “Regulating development in the built environment is not a popularity contest but a commitment to doing what is right. EIA has evolved into a global decision-making tool for policymakers dedicated to environmental protection.”
Highlighting the global trend of nations enacting laws and enforcing stricter standards for environmental compliance, he emphasized that Lagos State must align itself with these principles. “Nations across the globe are enacting laws and setting stricter standards to ensure compliance, and Lagos State cannot be an exception,” he stated.
The commissioner affirmed that Lagos remains a preferred destination for numerous businesses operating in various sectors of Nigeria’s economy. He emphasized that this status exposes the state to economic prosperity and growth.
Wahab elaborated on the potential adverse environmental impacts associated with the establishment of industrial facilities, the creation of new settlements, and the construction of buildings and infrastructure. These impacts, he noted, range from the pollution of environmental media (air, land, and water) to irreversible environmental degradation if not managed effectively.
In conclusion, the Lagos State Government encourages a proactive and responsible approach to development, ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into every stage of planning and execution for a more sustainable and resilient future.