The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed 11 establishments in Agege and Mushin over repeated environmental violations.

The agency carried out the enforcement exercise on Tuesday. It followed several warnings and abatement notices issued to the affected establishments.

LASEPA said the facilities had enough time to correct the breaches. However, they failed to meet the agency’s requirements.

The enforcement supports the Lagos State Government’s efforts to protect public health. It also aims to promote cleaner and safer communities across the state.

LASEPA Targets Six Establishments in Mushin

LASEPA sealed six establishments in Mushin during the exercise. The agency cited noise pollution, air pollution and failure to follow earlier directives.

Akorohunfayo Central Mosque on Akorohunfayo Street, Fadeyi, Mushin, was sealed over noise pollution.

Holy Temple of Christ on Ayetoro Street, behind NIPCO Filling Station, Mushin, also faced closure over noise pollution.

LASEPA sealed Christ Covenant Gospel Church, Western District, along Ikorodu Road, Fadeyi, Mushin, for the same offence.

Christ Apostolic Church (Oye Iyanu), located at Mushin Road, Church Bus Stop, Itire, also violated noise control requirements.

The agency sealed Biolarique Bakery Academy on Mushin Road for failing to comply with its directives.

Tiles & Marbles on Silver Street, Olorunsogo, Mushin, was also shut over air pollution.

Five Scrap Yards Sealed

LASEPA also sealed five scrap yards in Agege and Mushin.

The agency cited several environmental breaches. These included environmental pollution, failure to follow its directives and lack of evidence of an E-Waste Permit.

The affected businesses include Abubakar Scrap at Pipeline, Ifako-Ijaiye, Agege.

Others are Benjamin Scrap Yard on Ladoje Street, Oko Oba, Agege, and Starlas and Sons Scrap Yard at the same location.

Jamin Scrap Yard at Jungle Bus Stop, Iju Road, Agege, also faced enforcement.

The fifth facility, identified as Scrap Yard, operates on Olu Aina Street, Daleko, Mushin.

LASEPA Warns Businesses and Residents

LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to environmental protection.

Ajayi said LASEPA would continue to monitor activities across Lagos. He added that the agency would enforce environmental rules where businesses or other activities threaten public health.

He urged business owners, religious organisations, facility operators and scrap dealers to follow environmental rules.

He also asked operators to obtain the required permits and approvals before carrying out regulated activities.

Ajayi stressed that environmental compliance requires cooperation from residents and businesses.

Impact on Lagos’ Built Environment

The enforcement also has implications for Lagos’ housing and real estate sectors.

Noise and air pollution can affect the quality of life in residential communities. Poor environmental practices can also create problems for people living close to commercial and industrial activities.

Lagos continues to experience rapid urban growth. As more homes, businesses and other facilities develop across the state, environmental controls remain important to urban planning.

Property owners and developers also need to consider environmental requirements when using land. Compliance can help reduce conflicts between residential areas, businesses and other land uses.

The latest LASEPA action shows the importance of environmental regulation in Lagos’ growing urban areas. Continued compliance will remain necessary as the state works to create healthier and more sustainable communities.

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The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has urged construction professionals to take a more active role in shaping government policies on housing and building development.

The institute said stronger professional input could help Nigeria address its housing challenges while improving building quality and safety. It also called for closer cooperation between government and professionals across the built environment.

The NIOB President, Abimbola Daniel Kolade, made the call ahead of the institute’s 56th Builders’ Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja.

NIOB seeks stronger housing policies

Kolade said builders and other professionals should contribute more to national discussions on housing delivery. He identified affordable housing, building quality and the enforcement of construction standards as key areas requiring greater attention.

He also called for policies that support sustainable infrastructure and better training and certification for construction workers.

According to the NIOB president, government agencies, professionals, private companies and other stakeholders need to work together to improve housing delivery.

The institute said stronger collaboration could help address some of the problems affecting construction and housing development across the country.

Building standards remain a priority

Building regulation remains an important part of housing delivery because construction standards affect the safety, durability and quality of homes and other structures.

The NIOB’s position also places professional training and certification at the centre of efforts to improve construction standards. Better skills among workers can support improved building practices and help professionals meet required standards.

The institute said policy decisions should therefore reflect the practical experience of professionals who work directly within the construction sector.

Conference to examine industry challenges

The 3rd Vice President of NIOB and Chairman of its Marketing and Corporate Affairs Committee, Dr Adeshina Aladeloba, said preparations for the institute’s conference had been completed.

He said the Abuja event would bring together builders, policymakers, government officials, corporate organisations and other industry stakeholders.

The participants are expected to examine challenges affecting the construction industry and discuss possible solutions.

The conference will also provide an opportunity for professionals to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders on issues affecting housing and construction.

Built environment professionals urged to collaborate

NIOB National Publicity Secretary, Usenobong Emmanuel Atangaedi, said progress in the built environment would require cooperation among different professional groups.

He identified architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, estate surveyors and valuers, and town planners as part of the wider group that must contribute to solving industry challenges.

The call reflects the interconnected nature of housing development. A housing project depends not only on builders but also on planning, design, valuation, infrastructure, financing and effective regulation.

Implications for housing development

The institute’s position comes at a time when housing affordability and construction quality remain important issues for Nigeria’s built environment.

Housing policy affects how homes are planned, financed and delivered. Building standards also influence construction costs, project timelines and the long-term performance of buildings.

Greater professional participation in policymaking could help bridge the gap between government policy and conditions on construction sites. It could also support better coordination between public agencies, developers and professionals.

The NIOB’s call for stronger standards, improved training and wider professional participation therefore extends beyond the construction industry. It touches on the quality, safety and affordability of housing and the broader development of Nigeria’s urban areas.

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The Nathaniel Atebije Foundation for Planning Advocacy has called for greater commitment to physical planning and sustainable urban development as part of efforts to build safe, resilient, and environmentally sustainable cities across Nigeria.

The call was made in a statement marking the 2026 World Environment Day, where the foundation urged governments, private sector actors, and citizens to prioritise responsible environmental management and orderly urban development.

Urbanisation Driving Environmental Challenges

According to the foundation, rapid urbanisation in Nigeria and other developing countries has intensified environmental and infrastructural challenges.

These include flooding, traffic congestion, pollution, indiscriminate development, housing shortages, and climate-related disasters.

Founder of the foundation, Nathaniel Atebije, said these challenges highlight the urgent need for effective physical planning as a strategic tool for environmental sustainability, economic growth, and social stability.

The foundation stressed that no nation can achieve resilient and sustainable cities without strict adherence to sound urban and regional planning principles.

It described physical planning as one of the most effective tools for:

• Orderly urban development
• Environmental protection
• Disaster risk reduction
• Efficient land use management
• Creation of livable human settlements

Call for Stronger Institutions and Enforcement

The organisation urged all levels of government to strengthen planning institutions and enforce development control regulations.

It also called for the preparation and implementation of functional regional, urban, and local development plans across the country.

The foundation further insisted that planning approvals and infrastructure decisions should be guided by qualified indigenous planning professionals with strong knowledge of local environmental and socio-economic conditions.

Private Sector and Developers Urged to Comply

The foundation appealed to corporate organisations, private developers, financial institutions, and individuals to integrate physical planning principles into all development projects and investment decisions.

It warned that developments carried out without proper planning often lead to:

• Environmental hazards
• Economic losses
• Avoidable disputes
• Unsustainable urban growth patterns

Underutilisation of Local Expertise

The statement noted that Nigeria has a pool of highly trained indigenous professionals in the built environment sector whose expertise remains underutilised in national development.

It stressed that involving town planners and related experts in project design, site selection, environmental management, and infrastructure planning is both a legal requirement and a long-term investment in sustainability.

Need to Update and Enforce Master Plans

The foundation also called for a comprehensive review and implementation of urban and regional master plans to reflect Nigeria’s rapid population growth and climate change realities.

It urged strict enforcement of development control regulations to prevent illegal structures and encroachment on floodplains, road setbacks, green areas, and utility corridors.

Commitment to Advocacy and Awareness

Reaffirming its mission, the foundation said it remains committed to promoting planning consciousness, environmental sustainability, housing advocacy, and responsible urban governance through research, policy advocacy, and public enlightenment.

“We call on all citizens to become active partners in protecting our environment and building cities that are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable for present and future generations,” the group stated.

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Professionals in Nigeria’s built environment sector have urged town planning consultants to take advantage of incentives contained in the new Nigerian Tax Act while strengthening record-keeping and compliance practices.

The call was made during the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Lagos branch of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), where stakeholders examined the implications of recent tax reforms on professional practice.

Experts Highlight Tax Implications for Planning Consultants

Speaking at the event, professional accountant and tax administrator, Mrs. Olufunlola Adediran, advised practitioners to fully understand both the responsibilities and opportunities introduced by the new legal framework.

Delivering a presentation titled “The Nigeria Tax Act, 2025: The Impact on Town Planning Consultancy Services,” she explained that town planners operate within sectors directly influenced by tax regulations, including property development, infrastructure delivery, government contracts, and consultancy services.

According to her, areas affected include Value Added Tax (VAT), withholding tax, Companies Income Tax (CIT), Personal Income Tax, development levies, capital allowances, and stamp duties.

“We are advising town planners to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the new tax law, the obligations and the incentives,” she said.

Small Firms May Benefit from Tax Relief

Adediran noted that taxable services for town planning professionals include layout preparation, environmental impact assessments, urban renewal projects, zoning activities, regularisation processes, training programmes, and seminars.

She added that many small-scale planning firms could benefit significantly from provisions under the new law.

According to her, firms with annual turnover below N100 million may qualify for exemption from Companies Income Tax under Section 56 of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025.

She further noted that consultants involved in land documentation, property transactions, and government contracts could also benefit from certain stamp duty exemptions.

Experts Warn Against Poor Tax Practices

Adediran warned practitioners against mixing personal finances with business income, stating that proper financial separation improves compliance and may reduce tax burdens.

She also cautioned that failure to meet tax obligations under the new framework could trigger automatic penalties.

“The government is the sleeping partner of every business because taxes ultimately support public infrastructure and development,” she said.

ATOPCON Calls for Innovation and Continuous Learning

Chairman of ATOPCON Lagos branch, Bello Akinwale, said the session was designed to help members understand the impact of tax reforms on consultancy operations and avoid costly compliance mistakes.

He encouraged practitioners to embrace continuous learning to remain competitive.

Past President of ATOPCON and Chairman of the occasion, Waheed Kadiri, also stressed the need for stronger business sustainability models in the profession.

According to him, consultancy firms must adapt to changing economic realities through strategic planning, innovation, and stronger collaboration.

“We must embrace innovation, strengthen technical capacity, adopt emerging technologies, and build stronger collaboration among professionals,” Kadiri said.

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The President of the Association of Facility Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AFMPN), Olumide Aina, has called for stronger investment in professional facility management, warning that poor maintenance culture continues to weaken the quality and sustainability of Nigeria’s built environment.

Aina made the call in a statement issued to commemorate World FM Day 2026, celebrated globally under the theme “Cultivating Belonging Through Built Environments.”

Poor Maintenance Culture Threatens Infrastructure

According to him, buildings and public infrastructure should no longer be viewed as projects that end once construction is completed.

He noted that facilities such as schools, hospitals, offices, markets, and residential estates play major roles in the daily lives of citizens and require proper maintenance to ensure safety and productivity.

“For too long in Nigeria, we have treated facility management as an afterthought. Buildings are built, handed over, and left to decay. Power fails, water leaks, elevators stop, and safety is compromised,” Aina said.

He stressed that neglecting maintenance often results in broader economic and social consequences beyond repair costs.

Declining Infrastructure Impacts Productivity

Aina explained that deteriorating facilities reduce efficiency, weaken public trust, and create barriers to social and economic progress.

According to him, infrastructure failures contribute to lost opportunities and declining confidence in institutions.

He described facility management professionals as vital contributors to national development because they help maintain safe, accessible, and sustainable environments.

“We are the professionals who ensure buildings remain safe, functional, sustainable, and inclusive,” he stated.

AFMPN Calls for More Training and Partnerships

The AFMPN president praised practitioners across several states including Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Benue, Port Harcourt, and Kano for their contributions toward improving standards and service delivery.

However, he urged stakeholders to strengthen the profession through increased investment in training, certification, and collaboration.

He said stronger partnerships involving government agencies, academic institutions, and industry players would help raise professional standards.

“We need more training, more certification, and stronger partnerships between government, academia, and industry,” he added.

Youth Encouraged to Explore Facility Management Careers

Aina also encouraged young Nigerians to consider facility management as a strategic and respected profession capable of driving economic growth and improving quality of life.

He further urged both public and private institutions to engage qualified facility managers from project planning stages rather than after construction.

“The cost of neglect is always higher than the cost of maintenance,” he warned.

He reaffirmed AFMPN’s commitment to strengthening professional capacity and promoting safer, better-managed environments nationwide.

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The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to introduce clear policy guidelines to address the rising cost of house rent across major cities, especially Abuja.

NIQS President, QS Kene C. Nzekwe, made the appeal at a press conference held in Abuja as part of activities marking the 31st Biennial General Meeting and National Conference of the Institute.

Nzekwe said the persistent surge in rental prices is worsening the housing affordability crisis, stressing that only the government has the authority to set a policy direction that will protect citizens from exploitative rental demands.

“It is unacceptable for anyone to demand five million naira for a two-bedroom apartment in Abuja,” he said. “We are calling on policymakers and legislators to enact laws that regulate rent demands and ensure fairness in the housing market.”

The NIQS President also encouraged industry players across the construction and built environment sectors to embrace digital technologies and adopt standardised practices to enhance transparency and operational efficiency. According to him, such improvements will strengthen professionalism and attract more private sector investment into the housing and construction industries.

Speaking on professional ethics, Nzekwe warned against quackery and the growing trend of individuals taking on roles outside their areas of competence. He said the Institute will sanction members involved in unqualified practices, adding that improper handling of construction cost management poses significant risks to project delivery and public safety.

He appealed to the media to support the Institute’s efforts in curbing professional encroachment and promoting the value of properly trained construction professionals.

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