The Lagos State Government has strengthened its efforts to improve wastewater governance through a capacity-building programme for more than 130 sewage treatment plant professionals across the state.
Eko Hot News reports that the two-day training workshop was organised by the Lagos State Wastewater Management Office (LSWMO) in collaboration with the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE).
The programme focused on improving the technical knowledge and practical skills of facility managers and other professionals involved in the operation and maintenance of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs).
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, said effective wastewater management had become an important environmental priority for Lagos.
Wahab was represented at the event by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu.
The Commissioner noted that Lagos continues to generate significant volumes of wastewater from residential, commercial, institutional and industrial activities.
He explained that properly treated wastewater could be safely managed and, where appropriate, reused for beneficial purposes.
Wahab, however, stressed that poorly treated wastewater and indiscriminate discharge could affect water bodies and the wider environment.
He said such challenges could also create concerns for public health and community wellbeing.
The Commissioner described Sewage Treatment Plants as critical environmental infrastructure requiring competent personnel and regular maintenance.
He identified effective process monitoring, laboratory analysis and proper documentation as essential elements of efficient STP operations.
According to him, Lagos State’s wastewater management strategy must extend beyond the construction of treatment facilities.
He said stronger regulation, professional capacity building and sustainable practices were equally necessary to achieve lasting results.
Wahab highlighted water reuse, recycling, resource recovery and energy efficiency as areas that could contribute to more sustainable wastewater management.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources, Engr. Adegbite Mahamood, said infrastructure investment must be supported by continuous investment in the people responsible for managing the facilities.
Mahamood explained that constructing a Sewage Treatment Plant alone could not guarantee effective wastewater treatment.
He stressed the need for proper operation, routine maintenance, close monitoring and regular testing of treated wastewater.
The Permanent Secretary urged participants to apply the knowledge acquired during the training to improve preventive maintenance and operational efficiency.
He also encouraged facility managers to ensure that their respective plants consistently meet established environmental requirements.
Earlier, the General Manager of LSWMO, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi, said the training was designed to improve the performance of Sewage Treatment Plants across Lagos State.
Afolabi explained that the programme addressed practical issues affecting STP management and daily operations.
Topics covered during the training included treatment processes, plant operation and maintenance, laboratory analysis and effluent parameters.
Participants also received training on wastewater microbiology, process optimisation and other aspects of effective STP management.
The programme featured practical breakout sessions designed to help participants apply technical knowledge to real operational situations.
Afolabi said the training brought together professionals from different areas of wastewater management.
They included facility managers, engineers, environmental consultants, Health, Safety and Environment professionals and laboratory personnel.
He said the diverse participation would encourage knowledge sharing and strengthen collaboration within the wastewater sector.
The General Manager noted that sustainable wastewater management depends on professional competence, effective regulation and adherence to operational standards.
He urged participants to take responsibility for improving the performance of facilities under their management.
In his remarks, the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, Engr. Caius Ikem Umekesiobi, also highlighted the importance of professional capacity development.
He was represented at the workshop by the Immediate Past National Chairman, Engr. (Dr.) Nureni Adegboyega Ogunyemi.
Umekesiobi observed that some Sewage Treatment Plants across the country still face operational challenges despite investments in treatment infrastructure.
He attributed some of the challenges to gaps in technical capacity, maintenance, management and operational practices.
The NIEE chairman called for sustained investment in professional development within the wastewater management sector.
He also encouraged the adoption of effective operation and maintenance models for improved facility performance.
Participants were urged to translate the knowledge gained from the workshop into better STP operations and improved environmental compliance.
The training also provided an opportunity for professionals to exchange experiences and discuss practical challenges affecting wastewater treatment.
Technical presentations and interactive sessions were facilitated by industry professionals with experience in wastewater management.
The sessions provided participants with practical knowledge of Sewage Treatment Plant operations and maintenance.
They also addressed laboratory procedures, effluent quality requirements, wastewater microbiology and relevant regulatory standards.
The Lagos State Government has continued to place emphasis on strengthening environmental management through regulation, infrastructure and professional capacity development.
The latest training reflects the state’s focus on ensuring that existing wastewater infrastructure delivers the outcomes for which it was established.
Effective wastewater treatment can support environmental protection while promoting responsible management and potential reuse of treated water.
For Lagos, where population growth and economic activities continue to increase wastewater generation, strengthening technical capacity remains an important part of long-term environmental planning.
The collaboration between LSWMO and NIEE also demonstrates the value of partnerships between government institutions and professional bodies.
Through continued training, monitoring and improved operational practices, wastewater professionals can contribute to stronger environmental management across the state.
The workshop therefore reinforced the need for Lagos to combine infrastructure development with skilled personnel, effective regulation and sustainable wastewater management practices.
