The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has forged a strategic partnership with the Cleaning Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CPAN) to curb the use of harmful chemicals in the environment by organizations offering cleaning services.

General Manager LASEPA, Dolapo Fasawe; National President CPAN, Dr. Tunde Ayeye and Bola Odukoya (GM CIPAN) among others were present at the formal ceremony to flag off the collaboration took place at LASEPA’S office in lkeja, Lagos.

The partnership which is to have a collective voice for the Cleaning and Hygiene Industry also aims at promoting practical initiatives in the industry, providing employment to Nigerians, and supporting the improvement of the Health, Environment, and Trade sectors of the Nigerian economy.

While addressing the stakeholders at the event, Fasawe said: In the act of protecting our environment, and aggressively fighting climate change and global warming, LASEPA has decided to collaborate and work hand in hand with CPAN. Accreditation will be carried out on members of CPAN to make sure that chemicals used by cleaning companies are properly monitored.

“Constant training with certificate and inspection of chemicals used by cleaning agencies will be handled by LASEPA. The use of harmful chemicals like sniper among others for killing rodents and fumigating in people’s homes must stop. Accreditation will be renewed yearly.

“A Lot of incidents do occur after the fumigation of our environment and homes. Children start falling sick and pets dying due to the use of these harmful chemicals in our environment.

“Our law in 2017 states that nobody is allowed to discharge chemicals into the environment i.e. land, water and air. Without properly processed, treated and declared safe to the environment”, she added

She further stated that members of CPAN should cooperate with LASEPA to carry out their work in a professional way.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ayeye said: “As we all know, there is no option B for our planet, and we all have to contribute our quota in ensuring we nurture Mother Earth so she can continue to nurture us.

“Hence the collaboration between CPAN and LASEPA will ensure that only safe and environmentally friendly chemicals are used in the delivery of commercial cleaning activities across our beloved state. This is through a series of carefully thought activities involving training and capacity building.

“Amongst others, there are 2 categories of cleaning designed for existing and intending business owners in the cleaning and hygiene industry and for all cleaning operatives that work or will work in these cleaning agencies.

“Furthermore, all cleaning agencies will be identified and registered by LASEPA and provide oversight in the use of the appropriate chemicals and ensure safe disposal to protect the people and the environment,” He said.

CPAN is the umbrella organization that regulates the Cleaning and Hygiene industry which includes all professional janitorial, commercial, and industrial cleaning firms and all hygiene & allied service providers across Nigeria.