The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency in collaboration with RDD Associates, has trained 20 women in the Ago-Egun, Ilaje-Bariga fishing community on the use of smokeless kilns for fish smoking.
The training, which was held in Bariga Local Council, targeted members of the Asejere Fish Smoking Women Group as part of efforts to improve air quality in the area.
Smokeless kiln technology is designed to replace traditional fish-smoking methods, which contribute to air pollution and pose health risks to the community.
Speaking at the event, LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Head of Air Quality and Emissions Unit, Mrs Ayodele Osho, highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to monitor and address air pollution across Lagos State.
“We have deployed air quality sensors in several pollution hotspots, including the Ago-Egun Ilaje community, where traditional fish-smoking practices were identified as a major contributor to hazardous air quality levels,” he said.
“The adoption of smokeless kilns is a strategic intervention designed to mitigate these effects while sustaining the community’s livelihood.”
The smokeless kilns, which feature a three-door structure with 12 layers each, significantly reduce emissions while also promoting waste-to-wealth initiatives by converting fish waste into animal feed.
The initiative is expected to improve public health and boost economic opportunities for the community. Ajayi noted that the new kilns have the capacity to dry between seven and eight cartons of fish at a time, increasing productivity while reducing harmful emissions.
He added that LASEPA is partnering with RDD Associates to train community members and raise awareness about the benefits of smokeless technology.
“Over 20 women from the Asejere Women Group have received hands-on training in using the smokeless kiln technology. This will help us achieve improved air quality, build capacity, increase output, and create greater economic prosperity for local fish-smoking women,” he said.
Ajayi commended RDD Associates for their efforts, stating that feedback from the community showed an increased awareness of the health risks associated with traditional smoking methods and a willingness to embrace cleaner alternatives.
The representative of the Baale of Ago-Egun Ilaje community, Mr Felix Joseph, expressed gratitude to LASEPA and RDD Associates for their intervention. He acknowledged the project’s potential to improve living conditions while preserving the community’s traditional livelihoods.
