Nairobi, Kenya, July 18, 2025 — The General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, has called for deeper regional collaboration and innovation to address air pollution challenges confronting urban centers across Africa.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Clean Air Forum 2025 in Nairobi, themed “Partnership for Clean Air Solutions,” Dr. Ajayi emphasized that cities like Lagos and Nairobi are united by shared environmental burdens, primarily caused by industrial emissions, poor transportation regulations, and rapid urban expansion.
“Air pollution does not respect boundaries,” Dr. Ajayi stated. “From Lagos to Nairobi, our cities are grappling with rising environmental pressures. It is imperative that we come together as partners to exchange ideas, replicate successful strategies, and drive bold actions to ensure clean air for all.”
He outlined several initiatives undertaken by LASEPA under the Lagos State Government, including the establishment of air quality monitoring stations across the state and collaborative research with institutions such as the University of Lagos, Makerere University, and AirQo. These initiatives, he said, reflect the state’s commitment to data-driven policies and sustainable environmental practices.
Dr. Ajayi reaffirmed Lagos State’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Encouraging policymakers and environmental experts across the continent to embrace open collaboration, he said, “We must be willing to learn from one another. In this era of environmental urgency, copying from the next city is not plagiarism—it is progress. What works in Nairobi can be adapted in Lagos and vice versa. The time for isolated action is over. We must move forward together.”
The Clean Air Forum 2025 brought together stakeholders from across Africa to explore practical solutions to air quality challenges, underscoring a growing recognition of the urgent need for collective action in safeguarding the continent’s environment and public health.
