The functions of ZEPA impact the activities of industries, commercial services, public and private sectors, communities and the environment at large.
As an implementing organ of the State’s policies on the environment, the Agency gives preference to and works hand-in-hand with other relevant stakeholders, as well as national and international Agencies on the environment. Consequently, ZEPA works under the ambit of national, state and local government laws (on the environment), multilateral treaties, agreements, conventions and protocols entered into by the national government with respect to the environment.
Our Statutory Functions
According to the Environmental Management Protection Law 2017, part VI, it shall be the functions of the Agency to:
- Advise the State Government on all environmental management policies;
- Give direction to the affairs of the Agency on all environmental matters;
- Prepare a periodic master plan to enhance the capacity building of the Agency and for the environment and natural resources management;
- Carry out appropriate tests on insecticides, herbicides and other agricultural chemicals;
- Carry out public enlightenment and educate the general public on sound methods of environmental sanitation and management;
- Monitor and control disposal of solids, gaseous and liquid wastes generated by both government and private facilities in the State;
- Monitor and control all forms of environmental degradation from agricultural, industrial and government operations;
- Set, monitor and enforce standards and guidelines on vehicular emissions;
- Survey and monitor surface, underground and potable water, air, land and soil environments in the State to determine pollution levels in them and collect baseline data;
- Promote co‐operation in environmental science and technologies with similar bodies in other countries and international bodies connected with the protection of the environment; and
- Co‐operate with the Federal, State and Local Governments, statutory bodies and research agencies on matters and facilities relating to environmental protection.
Our Functions
- Investigate and resolve public complaints/disputes on noise pollution from industrial, commercial and residential areas of Lagos State.
- Mediate on environmental disputes between complainants and respondents
- Constant sensitisation of the public on noiseless Lagos to reduce noise-prone activities within respective environments (residential, commercial and industrial using noise pollution prevention techniques.
- Enlightenment comparing pollution prevention within the 57 local government areas/LGAs in the state.
- Represent the agency at inter-ministerial meetings on matters bordering noise pollution control.
- Enforcement Department
The main thrust of the Monitoring, Compliance & Enforcement Department is to assist organisations and facilities in meeting regulatory standards, particularly in cases where the Agency has identified non-compliance. The other schedule of duty of the Compliance Monitoring Unit includes the following:
Our Functions
- Inspection and Monitoring: Conduct routine inspections of industrial facilities, commercial establishments, and construction sites to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
- Enforcement Actions: Take appropriate enforcement actions against violators of environmental laws, including issuing citations, fines, and stop-work orders.
- Investigations: Investigate complaints and reports of environmental violations, gathering evidence and documentation to support enforcement actions.
- Public Education and Outreach: Educate the public on environmental regulations and the importance of compliance through workshops, seminars, and outreach programs.
- Compliance Assistance: Provide guidance and assistance to businesses and individuals to help them understand and comply with environmental regulations.
- Permitting and Licensing: Review permit applications for activities that may impact the environment, ensuring that proposed projects meet regulatory requirements.
- Emergency Response: Respond to environmental emergencies such as chemical spills, fires, and hazardous material releases, coordinating with other agencies to mitigate the impacts.
- Enforcement Coordination: Collaborate with other government agencies, law enforcement, and environmental organisations to coordinate enforcement efforts and share information.
- Policy Development: Participate in the development of environmental policies and regulations, providing input based on enforcement experience and expertise.
- Enforcement Training and Capacity Building: Provide training programs and capacity-building initiatives for ZEPA staff and other stakeholders involved in environmental enforcement, ensuring that personnel are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to enforce ecological regulations effectively.
- Air Quality & Emission Unit
Improve air quality and emissions in the state
Monitoring of air quality and regulating the level of emission within stipulated standards and regulations
- Water & land Department
The Water & Land Pollution Control Department participates in monitoring and regulating industrial activities to ensure compliance with environmental standards. It conducts investigations in response to public complaints, advocates for pollution prevention, inspects various facilities for compliance, and actively participates in ecological sanitation exercises.
Our Functions
- Regular monitoring of the hospitality industry, such as Hotels, Lounges, Restaurants, bars, Malls, etc and Bake houses in the state
- Attending to public complaints on land and water issues
- Collaboration with the private sectors and government agencies on issues that relate to land and water Pollution
- Research & Development Department
The Research and Development Department plays a crucial role in keeping the Agency informed about the latest developments in environmental management, managing the annual budget, reviewing technical reports, including EIA, EA, EAR, and PIA reports. Additionally, the department coordinates consultancy services, facilitates capacity building for staff, and is involved in drafting standards, regulations, and guidelines
