The Lagos State Government has closed down the sewage and wastewater treatment facility at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) due to claims of discharging untreated waste into the environment. This enforcement action was taken by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO), a branch of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, after the college reportedly disregarded several warning letters and failed to address the violations. Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, shared this update through a post on his verified X account on Friday, emphasizing that the decision aligns with the state’s strict stance against environmental violations. Wahab stated, “The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed off the malfunctioning sewage/wastewater treatment facility of Yaba College of Technology for illegally releasing raw sewage into the environment.” He highlighted that this action violates the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law of 2017, which prohibits untreated wastewater or sewage discharge into any drainage, canal, or open area. The commissioner warned that such illegal discharges present significant risks to public health and the environment, undermining the state’s commitment to fostering a clean and sustainable ecosystem. Wahab reiterated that the government takes a strong position against any form of illegal wastewater discharge, as they pose health risks and threaten environmental safety. He also confirmed the government’s determination to enforce environmental regulations across both public and private sectors, stressing that following wastewater management standards is essential for achieving a cleaner and safer Lagos, free from flooding. In addition, he noted that this closure is part of the ongoing #ZeroToleranceLagos initiative, which aims to hold individuals, organizations, and institutions accountable for pollution and other environmental offenses. Officials from the Wastewater Management Office indicated that YABATECH’s management had been previously consulted and provided with a timeline for compliance alongside technical assistance before the closure was enforced.
