The Director of the Chemical and Hazardous Materials Management Department of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Mr. Louis Adeyemi, has asserted that pest control officers have critical roles to play in addressing climate change.
Adeyemi, who spoke on Wednesday as a guest lecturer at the Annual Mandatory Training of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria, PECAN, held at MAN Centre, Wemabod Estate, Ikeja, Lagos, emphasised the need for practitioners to embrace global best practices.
The theme of the event is, “Building the Future of Pest Control in Nigeria: Adapting to Climate Change, Embracing Technology, and Promoting Professional Standards,” and the sub-theme is, “Enhancing Sustainability Through Insurance, Contracts, and Effective Risk Management.”
Representing the Managing Director of LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, Adeyemi noted that the world now operates in a dynamic environment, which requires changes in traditional approaches.
“We live in a dynamic environment, and so we must change some of the things we do and the manner in which we do them.
“It is imperative for us to adopt climate-friendly modes of operation rather than doing things haphazardly. Everything is changing, and we must embrace global best practices,” he said.
Adeyemi disclosed that LASEPA had deployed almost 70 air-quality monitoring stations across Lagos, providing real-time environmental data.
He explained that such information could help residents make informed decisions.
He illustrated this with an example: “If someone plans to visit Ajah but air-quality data shows that the environment is unsafe, the person could opt to handle the engagement via phone or video call rather than expose himself to health risks.
“Many of the vehicles people use are diesel-powered, not well serviced, and release fumes that pollute the environment. This leads to sickness and ultimately reduces productivity.”
He added that LASEPA continued to expand its monitoring capacity yearly and operates a laboratory where environmental samples can be tested.
Earlier in his lecture, Adeyemi urged pest controllers to prioritise continuous training to keep pace with the rapid developments in Nigeria’s pest control sector.
He noted the need for climate-smart pest management systems and technology-driven operations.
According to him, integrating modern tools; including artificial intelligence; into pest management would enhance efficiency.
He listed the benefits of adopting technology to include faster and more accurate detection, reduced chemical use through targeted treatment, improved customer communication, and enhanced compliance reporting.
Also speaking, the Welfare Secretary of PCAN and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 2025 Mandatory Training, PCO Olayinka Jacob, said the annual training helped members upgrade their skills.
“This year, we are focusing on pest control and insurance. We are growing, and as we grow, we are introducing more Western ideas. Climate change is real. We are in November and rain is still falling, and you see a lot of mosquitoes,” she said.
Jacob emphasised the importance of continuous professional development, noting that clients increasingly demand certification and evidence of updated training.
On the issue of quackery, she stressed that anyone not registered with the Pest Control Association of Nigeria was considered a quack.
“Wherever you work, people want to know if you are a certified pest control officer. We are trying to be at par with Western nations, and we will get there. They undergo continuous training, and that is what we are also doing,” she said.
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