Chemical handlers and warehouse operators in Lagos State have been urged to strengthen regulatory compliance and adopt global best practices in chemical management to prevent industrial accidents, environmental pollution and threats to public health.
The call was made by the General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Engineer Antonio Augustine Ayodele, during the third lecture of the LASEPA Chemical Handlers Stakeholders Workshop 2026, where he delivered a presentation on “Regulatory Compliance and Inspection Readiness in Chemical Management.”
Addressing stakeholders from the chemical industry, Ayodele stressed that safety must remain the foundation of every chemical operation, warning that negligence in handling hazardous substances could have devastating consequences for workers, surrounding communities and the environment.
According to him, preventing workplace accidents, chemical spills and pollution incidents should be a top priority for every operator in the sector.
He noted that the actions or inactions of chemical handlers have direct implications for public safety, explaining that poor storage practices, unsafe handling procedures and non-compliance with environmental regulations can lead to injuries, loss of lives and long-term environmental degradation.
The LASEPA General Manager emphasised that Nigeria cannot operate in isolation from international standards because many of the chemicals used within the country are imported through global supply chains. As a result, he said businesses must align their operations with internationally recognised environmental and chemical safety frameworks.
Ayodele highlighted several international agreements governing the movement and management of hazardous chemicals, including the Basel Convention and the Stockholm Convention, noting that Nigeria is a signatory to these treaties and is therefore obligated to implement their recommendations through national environmental policies.
He explained that while federal agencies establish national environmental standards, state governments play a critical role in implementing and enforcing those regulations within their jurisdictions.
According to him, environmental management falls largely within the responsibilities of state governments because environmental emergencies require immediate local intervention.
Ayodele explained that LASEPA serves as the state’s frontline environmental regulator, working alongside national environmental authorities to ensure industries comply with environmental laws and pollution control measures across Lagos State.
He reminded operators in the chemical sector that every business involved in chemical handling must obtain an annual environmental permit from LASEPA before commencing or continuing operations.
He stated that businesses seeking permits must first be legally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and possess all relevant operational documentation, including environmental reports prepared by qualified independent consultants where applicable.
He further urged operators to maintain proper documentation, describing accurate records as one of the first indicators inspectors examine during compliance assessments.
The General Manager also warned against the indiscriminate disposal of expired or unwanted chemicals, stressing that hazardous substances should never be dumped into drains, open spaces or the surrounding environment.
Instead, he advised companies to isolate expired chemicals in designated storage areas and promptly notify LASEPA for appropriate guidance on safe disposal in line with environmental regulations.
Ayodele stressed that proper chemical storage remains a critical component of inspection readiness, noting that hazardous substances should be stored in secure, well-labelled and properly ventilated facilities designed to minimise the risk of leaks, contamination and accidental exposure.
He equally encouraged companies to establish clear emergency response procedures, ensure workers receive regular safety training and provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment to reduce occupational risks.
The LASEPA boss also reminded participants that fire safety equipment must be regularly inspected and maintained, adding that extinguishers and other emergency response tools should never be allowed to expire before replacement or servicing.
He advised companies to carry out routine inspections of their facilities and immediately correct any identified safety deficiencies instead of waiting for regulatory inspections.
Ayodele further encouraged businesses to cooperate with regulatory officers during inspections, explaining that the objective of compliance exercises is not to punish operators but to improve safety standards and protect lives and the environment.
He urged organisations to seek clarification from LASEPA whenever they are uncertain about regulatory requirements rather than making assumptions that could result in violations.
The General Manager also cautioned businesses against attempting to circumvent environmental regulations through unethical practices, warning that no financial gain is worth the consequences of compromising public safety or environmental protection.
According to him, regulatory compliance should be viewed as a business investment rather than a burden, as companies with strong safety cultures are better positioned to protect their workers, safeguard the environment and sustain long-term operations.
The workshop forms part of LASEPA’s ongoing engagement with chemical stakeholders aimed at strengthening awareness of environmental regulations, promoting safer chemical management practices and improving compliance across Lagos State’s industrial sector.
Participants at the workshop were encouraged to adopt a proactive approach to safety, maintain open communication with regulators and continually improve operational standards to support a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment.
