Environmental permits are crucial for businesses and industrial facilities whose operations may impact the environment.
These permits ensure that operations are environmentally sustainable and compliant with relevant environmental standards and regulations.
Types of Permits
NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency) has categorised its environmental permits into five main groups to streamline the process and avoid duplication:
- Air Quality Permit: Addresses issues related to atmospheric emissions, vehicular emissions, open burning, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment (RAC), and noise pollution.
- Waste and Toxic Substances Permit: Covers waste generation, restricted chemicals, sludge disposal, and effluent discharge.
- Used Electrical and Electronic Equipment (UEEE) Permit: Pertains to the handling, import, and export of used electrical and electronic equipment.
- Biodiversity Conservation Permit: Focuses on access to genetic resources and related issues.
- Eco-Guard Certification: Evaluates the environmental impact of pre-construction and construction activities.
Application Process
To apply for the various permits, applicants must visit the NESREA office or follow the prescribed online process.
The following documents are required to be submitted along with the completed application form:
- Evidence of payment (official revenue receipt) of the processing fee.
- Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three years.
- Evidence of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), where applicable.
- Evidence of affiliation with an internationally/nationally recognised stewardship organisation for PRO/Recyclers, where applicable.
- Environmental Management Plan (EMP), where applicable.
- Schematic drawings and layout of the factory/warehouse for producer/recycler/collector.
- Evidence of registration with a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for producers.
- Environmental Audit Report (EAR), where applicable.
- Evidence of previously executed jobs, where applicable.
Time-Line
NESREA will acknowledge receipt of all “complete” application forms within 7 working days.
The agency may request additional information from the applicant within a specified period after assessing the application.
Statutory Fees
The statutory fees for NESREA permits are outlined below:
- Processing Fee:
- Biodiversity Conservation Permit: ₦50,000
- Electrical & Electronic Equipment Permit: ₦15,000
- Air Quality Permit: ₦20,000
- Waste and Toxic Substances Permit: ₦20,000
- Eco-Guard Certification: ₦40,000
- Amendment Fee: ₦20,000
- Re-hearing Fee: ₦50,000
- Appeal Fee: ₦20,000
- Annual Permit Fee: Variable
- Renewal Fee: Variable
Issuance of Permit
Upon approval of the application, NESREA will notify the applicant and indicate the assessed Annual Permit Fee, which must be paid within a specified period.
After the fee is paid, NESREA will issue the appropriate permit with the specified conditions.
Additional Information
- Application fees for Amendment, Re-hearing, Appeal, and Renewal will also attract the required Processing Fees.
- The Annual Permit Fee varies depending on the facility and its operations.
- Permits must be renewed annually, and the Renewal Fee is variable.
- All fees are subject to review by NESREA.
By adhering to these guidelines and providing the necessary documentation, businesses and industrial facilities can obtain the required NESREA permits to ensure their operations are compliant with environmental regulations.
This compliance not only protects the environment but also enhances the company’s reputation and operational efficiency.
