Lagos urges MAN on environmental protection

Lagos State government has urged the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to ensure adequate protection of their environment by preventing unnecessary emissions, as their actions have ripple effect on the entire nation.

The government gave the advice Wednesday during the seventh edition of the Mandatory Environmental Seminar with the theme “Constructive engagement of the Nigerian manufacturers towards sustainable, clean and safe environment,” organised by the MAN, Apapa branch.

“You must ensure that your activities are environment friendly because whatever you do affects everyone. I commend those companies that have constructed roads, drainages and also encourage others to join the government in the areas of private public partnership because government cannot do everything alone,” Babatunde Adejare, commissioner for environment, who was represented by Iyabo Phillips, said.

Babatunde Odunayo, chairman, MAN, Apapa branch, represented by Joe Onyebu, vice chairman, appealed on the regulatory agencies to see manufacturers as development partners.

“Compliance to all the accepted environmental standards really adds to the already high cost of doing business. The manufacturing sector against the very difficult monetary policy regime is struggling to survive. We hope that this administration will respond positively to our long-standing request towards harmonising regulatory functions of our various government agencies, with the objective of reducing the cost of compliance,” Odunayo said.

Yetunde Oni, director-general, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), represented by Anthony Abah, chief regulatory officer, observed that consumers were becoming aware of the safety and quality of food products they consume and advised manufacturers to certify their products to meet the demands of modern consumers and retailers.

“Certification gives product reputation, competitive edge and also helps to reduce the risk of food borne illnesses to the barest minimum. Manufacturers must ensure they comply with all NAFDAC’s regulations and standards and make sure they source their raw materials from qualified vendors,” Oni said.
While reiterating the commission’s commitment towards working with MAN to meet international best practices, Fouad Alade-Oki, director-general, Lagos State Safety Commission, called on manufacturers to ensure that their activities were environmentally compliant.
“Over the years, we have taken a lackadaisical attitude to the issue of global health and safety. It’s high time we begin to take the issue of safety seriously,” Alade-Oki said.