Environmental experts have underscored the importance of advocacy and collaboration among professionals as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Environment Day 2025, themed “Our Land, Our Future.”
The day was marked in Lagos on Thursday, June 5, with a Multi-Stakeholder Enlightenment and Engagement Forum, jointly organised by the Pest Control Association of Nigeria, PECAN, and the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, EHCON, in Lagos.
The event also served as a platform to review the National Environmental Health Guideline Regulations, 2025.
In his welcome address, National President of PECAN, PCO Olakunle Williams, highlighted the global significance of World Environment Day, describing it as a time for advocacy, reflection, and decisive action toward a healthier, more sustainable planet.
He also stated that the forum was both timely and historic, offering stakeholders a strategic opportunity to engage with the newly introduced National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2025.
According to him, the new framework marks a transformative shift in Nigeria’s approach to pest and vector control regulation.
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“For decades, pest control licensing in Nigeria was largely managed at the local government level,” Williams said.
“While this structure provided grassroots reach, it also led to regulatory fragmentation; marked by inconsistencies, lack of standards, and a proliferation of unlicensed practitioners, all of which posed significant risks to public health and the environment.”
He noted that the 2024/2025 Regulatory Framework introduced a multi-tiered licensing model to address these gaps.
Under the new model: EHCON now serves as the apex regulatory authority at the federal level, issuing national licenses, setting benchmarks, and curbing quackery.
He said that state governments were responsible for issuing operational permits and enforcing compliance, while local governments would support enforcement and grassroots advocacy.
“This collaborative model represents a paradigm shift; from monopoly to partnership, from fragmentation to cohesion,” he added.
Williams emphasised that the new regulation would standardise, professionalise, and localise pest control operations across Nigeria.
He expressed gratitude to EHCON, the Federal Ministry of Environment, LASEPA, Ogun State Ministry of Environment, EHOAN, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support.
“As President of PECAN, I’m especially proud of the strong presence of pest and vector control professionals here today. This shows our shared commitment to raising the standards in public health pest management,” he said.
In a virtual address, Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, Registrar/CEO of EHCON, commended PECAN for fostering professional collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s environment.
“Our nation must prioritize both environmental safety and human well-being.
“PECAN has shown that professionals can work together for the public good. The National Environmental Health Regulation 2025 is a living document that will unify all regulators,” he said.
He stressed the need to standardize pest control services, train and monitor practitioners, strengthen surveillance systems, institutionalize inter-sectoral collaboration, and clarified the roles of different stakeholders.
“Under my leadership, EHCON will bring all stakeholders together to implement this regulation. We’ll create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive because strong professions are supported by vibrant private sector engagement,” Baba stated.
He urged that World Environment Day should not be merely ceremonial, but rather a call to action.
Also speaking, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, Managing Director of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, highlighted the Lagos State government’s commitment to protecting the environment through legislation.
“Our laws mandate regular fumigation of premises. However, enforcement requires collaboration. The government cannot do it alone.
“We initially enforced harsh penalties; shutting down premises and imposing fines—but we realized that relationships and partnerships are more sustainable,” Ajayi said.
Ajayi called for public involvement, especially whistle-blowing on environmental infractions, and advocated for a systematic approach to environmental management.
“When we do things right, we all get the credit,” he concluded.
Other speakers echoed the need for public cooperation, compliance with environmental laws, and sustained advocacy for a cleaner environment.
An award was presented to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who was represented at the event, as the Amazon of Environmental Health 2025.
The forum was attended by numerous environmental officers from local governments across the state.
