Lagos govt restates ban on firewood, charcoal for commercial cooking
Lagos State Government Reinforces Ban on Firewood for Commercial Cooking
LAGOS — The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its ban on the use of firewood for commercial cooking, warning businesses that violations could lead to sanctions, including the closure of their facilities.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), reiterated this stance during a workshop for bakery operators held on Tuesday. The event aimed to enhance environmental compliance and promote healthier food production practices.
Ajayi noted that the use of firewood for commercial cooking was prohibited several years ago, emphasizing that this policy is still in effect. He explained that the enforcement process is incremental, starting with awareness initiatives before progressing to stricter actions against repeat offenders.
“When we identify violations, the first step is to inform the offenders that their practices are incorrect. Following this, we send a pre-sanction warning, and ultimately, we may close the facility to mitigate pollution,” Ajayi stated.
He highlighted the health risks associated with firewood usage, both for producers and consumers, as well as its detrimental effects on product quality and the environment. Ajayi urged operators to switch to cleaner and more efficient energy sources such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity.
“We impose penalties for non-compliance and expect businesses to adhere to our regulations,” he added.
The workshop is part of LASEPA’s ongoing efforts to engage with the public regarding environmental sustainability and ensure compliance with established regulations. Ajayi stated, “The purpose of this engagement is to educate operators about our environmental standards, ensuring better management of food production and food security. Given that bread is a staple in Lagos, we need to monitor factors such as water quality and environmental cleanliness.”
Ajayi further encouraged bakery operators to adopt more efficient energy sources, emphasizing the agency’s opposition to both firewood and charcoal. LASEPA has initiated pilot programs to encourage the transition from charcoal to LPG.
Faderera Koko, Director of the Land and Water Pollution Control Department at LASEPA, noted that the training was prompted by routine inspections that identified lapses in environmental sanitation practices at some bakeries.
“Observations indicated practices that contribute to air and land pollution, making this capacity-building program essential,” she said.
Ayoola Mathew Olayiwola, Chairman of the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, praised LASEPA for the timely workshop, describing it as beneficial for enhancing bakery operations while ensuring adherence to environmental standards.
