Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency

This project seeks to understand and address air pollution linked to animal skin processing at selected abattoirs in Lagos State. Many abattoirs use open burning to process animal skin because consumers often prefer the taste and appearance of smoked skin. However, the smoke released during this process can affect the health and well-being of workers, nearby communities, and the environment, while there is currently limited information about the extent of the pollution. The project will use affordable air quality sensors to measure pollution around selected abattoirs and provide reliable information on how air quality changes over time. We hope to use this information to identify areas of concern, raise awareness, and support practical solutions for reducing harmful smoke. The findings will also help Lagos State and other relevant authorities develop better policies, improve monitoring, and promote cleaner and healthier abattoir environments across Nigeria.

During the project, our team hopes to build a clear understanding of air pollution associated with animal skin processing in Lagos abattoirs and its potential impact on workers, nearby communities, and the environment. By collecting reliable air quality information, we aim to fill an important data gap and provide evidence that can guide practical solutions and stronger policies. We also hope to strengthen the capacity of local institutions to monitor air quality, promote greater public awareness and transparency, and encourage cleaner practices within abattoirs. Ultimately, we want this project to provide a practical model that can be expanded across Lagos State and other parts of Nigeria.

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi,  General Manager LASEPA, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency