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Multiple Taxation Killing Pest Control Industry — National President, Olakunle Williams …As Expert Tasks Pest Controllers On Climate Change
The National President of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria (PECAN), Mr. Olakunle Williams, has lamented that multiple taxation is adversely affecting the growth and sustainability of the pest control industry in Nigeria.
Williams also noted that climate change has significantly impacted pest control practices, stressing the need for practitioners to stay informed about emerging trends and evolving environmental conditions.
He spoke on Wednesday during the Association’s Annual Mandatory Training, held at MAN Centre, Wemabod Estate, Ikeja, Lagos.
The event had the theme: “Building the Future of Pest Control in Nigeria: Adapting to Climate Change, Embracing Technology, and Promoting Professional Standards,” with the sub-theme: “Enhancing Sustainability Through Insurance, Contracts and Effective Risk Management.”
“We are holding our annual mandatory training programme, which is compulsory for all our members. Today also doubles as our AGM. We use this forum every year to discuss trends in pest control,” he said.
PCO Olayinka Jacob
According to him, this year’s training focused on the impact of climate change on pest behaviour.
“The speaker addressed climate change extensively and how it affects pests. Many pests thrive more in hotter climates; mosquitoes, for example.
“We hold this training annually to sensitise the public, practitioners, and the government. Climate change is beyond conferences; we must examine our local realities. Mosquitoes, for instance, cause malaria, and as an association, we are committed to reducing their prevalence,” he added.
Williams disclosed that PECAN is in partnership with several agencies and organisations, including the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Environmental Control Association of Nigeria (ECAN), Ogun State Ministry of Environment, Kano State Ministry of the Environment, Rotary Club, and malaria-focused groups.
He said the association would continue to engage stakeholders and expressed optimism that government authorities would respond to their concerns.
Commenting on new environmental regulations recently introduced by the government, Williams said enforcement remains the responsibility of the authorities.
“A monitoring committee has been set up by the government to ensure compliance with these new policies, and we want this replicated across all states,” he said.
He, however, decried the problem of overlapping regulatory bodies and taxation layers.
“What we have in the country is multiplicity of control by different government agencies, and this is a major problem.
“Today, the local government comes; another day, another revenue agency appears; and then the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health also shows up,” he said.
According to him, these duplications impose multiple taxes and levies on members, hindering the ease of doing business.
“The government needs to address this. Multiple taxation is discouraging practitioners. We have federal regulations already, but many states introduce additional laws, making the job more difficult. If the government can streamline these processes, life will be much easier for our members,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Chemical and Hazardous Materials Management Department of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Mr. Louis Adeyemi, said that pest control officers have critical roles to play in addressing climate change.
Representing the Managing Director of LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, Adeyemi noted that the world now operates in a dynamic environment, which requires changes in traditional approaches.
“We live in a dynamic environment, and so we must change some of the things we do and the manner in which we do them.
“It is imperative for us to adopt climate-friendly modes of operation rather than doing things haphazardly. Everything is changing, and we must embrace global best practices,” he said.
Adeyemi disclosed that LASEPA has deployed almost 70 air-quality monitoring stations across Lagos, providing real-time environmental data. He explained that such information can help residents make informed decisions.
He illustrated this with an example:
“If someone plans to visit Ajah but air-quality data shows that the environment is unsafe, the person could opt to handle the engagement via phone or video call rather than expose themselves to health risks.
“Many of the vehicles people use are diesel-powered, not well serviced, and release fumes that pollute the environment. This leads to sickness and ultimately reduces productivity.”
He added that LASEPA continues to expand its monitoring capacity yearly and operates a laboratory where environmental samples can be tested.
Earlier in his lecture, Adeyemi urged pest controllers to prioritise continuous training to keep pace with the rapid developments in Nigeria’s pest control sector. He noted the need for climate-smart pest management systems and technology-driven operations.
According to him, integrating modern tools; including artificial intelligence; into pest management would enhance efficiency.
He listed the benefits of adopting technology to include faster and more accurate detection, reduced chemical use through targeted treatment, improved customer communication, and enhanced compliance reporting.
Also speaking, the Welfare Secretary of PECAN and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the 2025 Mandatory Training, PCO Olayinka Jacob, said the annual training helps members upgrade their skills.
“This year, we are focusing on pest control and insurance. We are growing, and as we grow, we are introducing more Western ideas. Climate change is real. We are in November and rain is still falling, and you see a lot of mosquitoes,” she said.
Jacob emphasised the importance of continuous professional development, noting that clients increasingly demand certification and evidence of updated training.
On the issue of quackery, she stressed that anyone not registered with the Pest Control Association of Nigeria is considered a quack.
“Wherever you work, people want to know if you are a certified pest control officer. We are trying to be at par with Western nations, and we will get there. They undergo continuous training, and that is what we are also doing,” she said.
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