The Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS) continues to specialise in providing advisory and training services to emerging economies through tailor-made trainings worldwide. Training programmes are crafted by a team of dedicated academic staff, focusing on critical issues such as sustainable development, climate resilience, urban planning, and many more.
Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and IHS
To enhance environmental justice in Nigeria, IHS has organised a training for participants from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources in Lagos, and other government ministries in Lagos, Nigeria. Themed "Reducing Ecological and Social Inequalities through Effective and Participatory Land Governance", the tailor-made training by IHS spanned two phases with over 25 participants, beginning in Lagos and finishing off in Abuja, Nigeria's federal capital.
"IHS's mission is to inspire and empower urban professionals and citizens to make cities work for everyone, especially the vulnerable. It is commendable that various stakeholders in Nigeria, including participants, resource persons, guest lecturers, panellists, and discussants, can come together to address the environmental injustices faced by the Baruwa community."
- Ore Fika, the training project's lead and course coordinator, shares,
Baruwa’s water crisis
During the training, a case study was conducted using Baruwa, a community severely impacted by hydrocarbon contamination. Since 1999, Baruwa has been battling oil pollution stemming from state-owned pipelines. Despite ongoing efforts by residents to find a lasting solution, the contamination persists.
"Every society needs peaceful coexistence of different land uses to ensure orderliness. The training also shows that it is no longer fashionable taking decisions for people, rather it is making decisions with people in a participatory manner. The tailor - made training was apt and timely. The organization was superb, delivery was fantastic and the facilitators were excellent and up to the task."
- Ojikutu olawale, Director at Lagos State Lands Bureau
Developments and change
The training was an important step towards achieving environmental justice in Nigeria. By equipping participants from the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, and other governmental bodies with enhanced environmental management skills, the training programme has laid a foundation for sustainable development and improved living conditions in urban areas.
Moreover, the training led to a significant development: the Lagos Water Corporation initiated a project to restore clean water to Baruwa, marking a significant step toward resolving a long-standing issue. Local media and international reports have also highlighted the challenges faced by the Baruwa community.
A Glimpse into the Training
