The Lagos State Government has formally reminded businesses that utilizing firewood for commercial cooking is prohibited. Authorities warned that any establishment caught ignoring this regulation faces strict penalties, including the potential closure of their operations.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), highlighted the existing policy during a workshop held for bakery operators on Tuesday. He clarified that while the ban has been in effect for years, the agency follows a tiered enforcement process. This includes initial notifications for offenders, followed by official warnings, and finally, sealing facilities that refuse to comply.
Ajayi noted that firewood usage creates significant health hazards for both staff and customers, lowers product quality, and damages the environment. He urged businesses to transition to cleaner alternatives like electricity or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which offer greater safety and efficiency. This training initiative is part of a broader push to ensure that food production in the state meets rigorous hygiene and sustainability standards.
Faderera Koko, Director of the Land and Water Pollution Control Department at LASEPA, stated that the agency launched this program after routine checks identified poor environmental sanitation practices at various bakeries. By educating operators, the agency aims to curb air and land pollution.
Ayoola Mathew Olayiwola, who leads the Lagos Chapter of the Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria, praised the workshop. He noted that the session provided valuable guidance for members looking to align their production methods with state environmental mandates.
