PECAN Calls for Unified National Action on Pest Control Regulation at World Environment Day 2025

PECAN Calls for Unified National Action on Pest Control Regulation at World Environment Day 2025

 

  Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN) has called for a unified national action on pest control regulation in Nigeria as part of activities to mark the 2025 World Environment Day.

 

The National President of PECAN, Mr Olakunle Williams made the call at  a high-level Multi-Stakeholder Enlightenment & Engagement Forum on Thursday in Lagos.

 

The  forum focused on the newly introduced National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2025, which signify a major transformation in Nigeria’s pest and vector control landscape.

 

Delivering his welcome address, Williams described the new regulatory framework as a “paradigm shift” from fragmented, unregulated practices to a standardized, multi-tiered system involving federal, state, and local authorities.

 

“For decades, pest control licensing in Nigeria was predominantly handled at the local government level, resulting in regulatory inconsistencies and a proliferation of unlicensed practitioners.

 

“The 2024/2025 Regulatory Framework corrects this imbalance through a coordinated, nationwide approach that prioritises public health, professionalism, and accountability,” Williams said.

 

He explained that under the new structure, the  Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) now serves as the apex licensing body, issuing national licenses and setting professional benchmarks.

 

He said that the structure also empowered State governments  to issue operational permits and enforce compliance.

 

He added that Local governments would focus on grassroots-level enforcement and public awareness.

 

Williams acknowledged the contributions of key partners including EHCON, the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA).

 

Others included the Ogun State Ministry of Environment, and the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria (EHOAN) for their commitment to environmental health reform.

 

“This collaborative model ensures that pest control in Nigeria is no longer a fragmented service, but a unified public health intervention.

 

“We must now deepen our understanding of the regulations, build partnerships, and promote capacity-building across all tiers,” Williams said.

 

He called on  all stakeholders to embrace their roles in the new framework and to ensure that pest and vector control operations contribute meaningfully to national health and sustainability goals.

 

Also speaking, the National General Secretary of PECAN, Mr Ayodeji Oluleye, said that to practice professionally in Nigeria, there must be law.

 

He decried the multi taxation involved at the level of practice.

 

In his goodwill message, the General manager of LASEPA, Dr Tunji Ajayi called for collaboration among the various stakeholders in the sector.

 

He lauded the efforts of environmental health workers who put give their all in ensuring the maintenance of community health.

 

he described them as super humans in the line of duty.

 

According to him, there is the need for all stakeholders to build relationships for the common good and health of the environment.

 

Also Dr Yakubu Baba, Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) expressed delight in the useful partnership between the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria and PECAN.

 

Baba said that the partnership was critical in the design and the ongoing implementation of the national framework of the ongoing regulation, as it relates to public health and pest control in Nigeria.

 

“This collaboration represents a bold and concrete step in institutionalising pest control as a critical public health intervention,” Baba said.

 

He commended PECAN under the leadership of its national president, Mr Olakunle Williams.

 

He emphasised that no entity should be a regulator and also be a service provider.

 

The event brought together professionals from across the pest control, environmental health, and public policy sectors.

 

The discussions at the forum focused on implementation strategies, cross-sector collaboration, and the need for continuous training and certification to uphold global best practices.

 

World Environment Day 2025 is observed globally under the theme #BeatPlasticPollution.

 

It emphasized the urgent need for collective environmental action and regulatory reform.

 

The Climax of the event was the presentation of award to Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe Mandate Secretary (Commissioner) of Health Services & Environment in the Federal Capital Territory Administration.