The Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission (LASWARCO) has sealed the factories belonging to Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, and Guinness Nigeria for extracting groundwater for commercial purposes without proper authorisation.

Speaking on Tuesday in Lagos, Olowu Babatunde, director of technical services at LASWARCO, said the commission had been engaging with the three companies for over seven years, but they had either partially complied or failed to comply with regulations, prompting enforcement action.

“We operate a law that empowers us to regulate most of these heavy abstractors in Lagos State,” Babatunde said.

“Abstractors are individuals or entities that extract large quantities of groundwater for commercial purposes.

“So, these companies that we have sealed, basically three of them – Coca-Cola, FrieslandCampina and Guinness, abstract water in large quantities.

“And we have been engaging them over time. At least, I have been here for more than seven years now. We’ve been engaging these companies for more than seven years now.

“Some, either they do partial compliance, or some don’t comply at all. So, now that we started implementation of our regulation, we now compel them to fulfil all their regulatory demands.”

Dele Farotimi, a human rights advocate, has been released from the correctional centre in Ekiti state after meeting his bail conditions.

Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning.

Last Friday, a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti granted Farotimi N30 million bail with two sureties.

Abayomi Adeosun, the magistrate, had ruled that the two sureties must be “responsible citizens in the society”, and one of them must own a house within the jurisdiction of the court.

The defendant was asked to leave his international passport with the court.

Farotimi would also not grant media interviews during the pendency of the case.

The Lagos State Government has cautioned residents against noise pollution, especially during the Yuletide season and beyond.

A statement made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday noted that the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, alongside the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency., Dr Babatunde Ajayi, highlighted the government’s measures to curb excessive noise and safeguard public health.

“The Lagos State Government is committed to a zero-tolerance policy on noise pollution, particularly during the Yuletide season and beyond.

“The government has put proactive measures to curb excessive noise and safeguard public health.

“We acknowledged that the festive season brings heightened celebrations and activities that often lead to increased noise levels.

“But we have to prioritise the health and well-being of Lagos residents by reducing noise pollution”, he said.

Wahab added that to ensure compliance with noise regulations, the government had established a Special Task Force on Noise Pollution under the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency.

According to him, the task force, which includes members of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps and the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, will monitor, arrest, and prosecute violators.

Wahab acknowledged that the festive season brings heightened celebrations and activities that often lead to increased noise levels.

He reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on noise pollution, saying there was a need to prioritise the health and well-being of Lagos residents by reducing noise pollution.

He warned that unregulated noise poses significant health and environmental risks, which the government would not tolerate.

The commissioner stated that it had become a must for establishments such as worship centres, nightclubs, lounges, and bars to obtain permits from LASEPA for public events involving amplified sound. These venues are required to operate within soundproofed and enclosed spaces to protect neighbouring residents.

He noted that in January 2025, the government would begin intensified public awareness campaigns to educate residents on acceptable noise levels and the benefits of a quieter environment.

Wahab said that collaboration with stakeholders, including religious organisations, business owners, the entertainment industry, and event planners would be a priority.

“Plans are also in place to recognise and reward individuals and organisations that demonstrate exceptional compliance with noise regulations, fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability” the commissioner assured all.

He commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, for their leadership in promoting environmental sustainability and a healthier Lagos.

He assured residents that the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources would continue to implement policies aligned with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Development Agenda to create a cleaner, quieter, and safer Lagos.

Wahab urged Lagosians to join hands with the government in achieving a noiseless and peaceful Lagos, expressing gratitude to the press for their role in raising awareness of government initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for all residents.