Sanwo-Olu inaugurates ISO-certified environmental laboratory

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday inaugurated government-owned International Standards Organisations (ISO) Certified environmental laboratory.

The ISO-certified laboratory is situated at the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) building in Ikeja.

Speaking at the inauguration at Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said that an upgraded laboratory became necessary as a result of the growing population of the state.

Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello.

He said that the ultra-modern lab was needed to enhance the capacity of the agency to effectively deliver on its core mandate of monitoring the environment, for safety and sustainability.

According to him, re-equipping the laboratory made it earn the accreditation of the International Organisation of Standardisation for Quality Management Systems (ISO/IEC 9001) and Laboratory Management System (ISO/IEC 17025).

“It is quite heartwarming that this recognition makes Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) the first government-owned environmental laboratory to receive this accreditation.

“This accreditation has given Lagos State global recognition and acceptance, as results generated from this laboratory are consistent and accurate through the industry-standard protocols; and in line with best practices obtainable worldwide.

“I urge the management and staff of this agency, particularly those that would be charged with the responsibility of operating this laboratory, to do so with utmost professional care and a high sense of responsibility.

“Our administration will continue to invest in projects that are consistent with our goal of ensuring a healthy, safe and sustainable environment.

“As we strive to bring about a more resilient and environmentally sustainable state, I look forward to a more purpose-driven partnership with local and international bodies, academic institutions, researchers and non-governmental organisations,” he said.

In her welcome address, the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, said that the agency’s functions and duties border around laboratory services.

Fasawe said that it served as the warehouse of all the data and information upon which the state of the environment in Lagos state is determined.

She said that as a result of this, an upgrade and standardisation of the laboratory processes were highly necessary.

According to her, the laboratory complex was constructed 32 years ago as a pollution control laboratory under the Governance of Raji Rasaki, as an arm of the Ministry of the Environment.

Sanwo-Olu inaugurates ISO-certified environmental laboratory