Assessment of Environmental Impact Management in Large Construction Projects in Lagos State

Large construction projects in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, generate significant environmental impacts including noise, dust, construction traffic, and ecological disturbance, and the professional adequacy of environmental impact management practices requires evaluation. This study assessed the environmental impact management practices of 20 large construction projects (contract value above 500 million Naira) in Lagos State, examining environmental impact assessment quality, mitigation measure implementation, and regulatory compliance monitoring. Data were collected through review of environmental impact assessment documents, physical site inspections using an environmental compliance checklist, and interviews with 40 project environmental managers, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency officers, and community representatives. Environmental management performance was scored across dust control, noise management, waste management, water pollution prevention, and community engagement dimensions. Results showed that environmental impact assessment compliance scores averaged 54 out of 100, indicating moderate compliance. Dust control was the weakest performance area (mean score: 42 out of 100), with inadequate dust suppression observed at 16 of 20 sites. Community engagement was rated as inadequate by 75% of community representatives interviewed. Only 8 of 20 projects had an active Environmental Management Plan being implemented on-site. Regulatory monitoring visits by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency averaged fewer than 2 per project annually. The study recommends mandatory monthly environmental compliance audits and community liaison officers for large projects in Lagos State.

Keywords: environmental impact management, large construction projects, environmental compliance, Lagos State, environmental assessment