The role of Environmental Laboratory Infrastructure in Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Development: An Investment and Development Opportunity

Author: Olukayode Sadiq

Canopy Greens Environmental Limited. www.canopygreensng.com

The role of Environmental Laboratory Infrastructure in Environmental Monitoring and Sustainable Development: An Investment and Development Opportunity

I have a dream: That one day, the standards of environmental studies in Nigeria will be the benchmark which other nations will aspire to reach;

I have a dream: That one day, all environmental consultants practicing in Nigeria will have easy and

affordable access to state of the art environmental laboratory services;

I have a dream: That one day, all environmental enforcement officers across the nation will walk into facilities with the authority and confidence required to enforce all aspects of the law without any technical

and scientific limitations standing in their way;

I have a dream: That one day, our technical and scientific insight into the environmental and socio-economic challenges peculiar to our country will help us to make the best decisions and inspire collective

action from the highest level of governance;

I dream of a day, every Nigerian will be ever so conscious of his environment, working proactively towards a cleaner and healthier environment, for himself, his neighbors and their future generations;

Until we improve our technical and scientific capacity for environmental monitoring and sustainable

development as a nation, these dreams have no hope of making it to reality someday!!!

Research has shown that the development of our local capacity to analyze environmental and

socio-economic matrices, generate quality data and interpret the generated data is the

underlying foundation upon which our full potential for environmental sustainability and

sustainable development as a nation may be realized. Our environmental, analytical and

research capabilities as a nation are continually undermined because of the dearth of

Environmental Analytical Laboratory Infrastructure in both the public and private sectors. As

stated in the E&P Forum/UNEP 1997, laboratories, laboratory supplies and equipment are listed

as Critical Technical Services Infrastructure needed for environmental protection and

sustainable development.

2. 98% of Nigerian Environmental Regulatory Authorities are ill-equipped to adequately

undertake environmental monitoring and other related regulatory activities. This is due to lack

of standard laboratory facilities, trained manpower and adequate/timely funding. NESREA has

only 3 labs (Lagos, Port Harcourt & Kano) which are barely operational. Currently, there are less

than 3 DPR accredited private labs in all northern states combined. In 2014, there were only 11

NESREA accredited private labs in operation. Even then, some of the accreditations were

approved based on partnerships with other labs, meaning that the actual number of existing

laboratories were less.

3. Over the years, there has been an unhealthy focus on the deleterious environmental

effects of oil and gas activities alone. This is why the few private environmental laboratories are

concentrated in the south where oil exploration activities abound. As a result, other sectors

that are environmentally cross-linked continue to suffer neglect. These include mining,

construction, agriculture, manufacturing & industry, education and research. Consequently,

environmental enforcement is weak and revenue generation potential is severely undermined.

Environmental consultants compromise and environmental assessments/reporting are

substandard. Facilities get away with environmental pollution. Environmental guidelines and

standards are not substantiated by research and the establishment of a national environmental

monitoring program is practically impossible.

Quality data leads to quality decisions at all levels of governance

4. It is therefore imperative to focus on the development of our local infrastructure.

Physical infrastructure is a natural job creator in the near term and establishes conditions for

long-term growth –both in the public and private sectors. This will enable the right environment

for creativity, innovation and real and practical change.

5. This challenge presents a unique and strategic investment and development

opportunity- in both the public and private sectors- which investors and development partners

should take advantage of. According to United States International Trade Commission (USITC)

the global environmental industry revenue reached nearly $506 billion in 2010. Nigeria as the

largest African economy with the highest development index on the continent is set to witness

an unprecedented growth in the sector in a few years.

6. The Sustainable Development Goals coming online from the 1st of January, 2016 will

focus more on inclusive growth and local participation from countries worldwide including

Nigeria.

The best time to start taking steps is right now!

According to United States International Trade Commission (USITC): the global environmental

industry revenue reached nearly $506 billion in 2010. Nigeria as the largest African economy

with the highest development index on the continent is set to witness an unprecedented

growth in the sector.

For detailed information on investment and partnership please contact the author via the

details provided below. Participation from non-profits and civil society groups is particularly

encouraged.

Olukayode Sadiq kaysadiq@canopygreensng.com