Before we begin, here is a quick summary: to operate any facility or equipment that emits smoke, dust, fumes or refrigerant gasses in Nigeria, you must hold a valid NESREA Air Quality Permit. This guide—written in everyday language—walks you through every step on the official NESREA portal (NESPAM), shows exactly which documents you need, explains how much you will pay, and answers the common questions people ask. Every detail comes straight from NESREA’s practice procedure, so you know it is 100% accurate.
1. Why You Need an Air Quality Permit
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Legal requirement: Under the NESREA Act, 2007, and its 2009 Regulations, any source of air pollution—like factory stacks, generators, open burning, or refrigeration units—must be licensed by NESREA before it runs .
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Protect health & environment: The permit ensures you control emissions so your workers and neighbours breathe cleaner air .
2. Who Must Apply
| Activity | Examples |
|---|---|
| Industrial emissions | Factories, cement plants, asphalt plants |
| Generator use ≥10 kVA | Standby generators in offices, malls |
| Construction dust sources | Crushers, drills, earth-moving equipment |
| Refrigeration & AC servicing | Workshops handling CFCs/HFCs |
| Open burning | Waste or biomass burning on-site |
Tip: Very small, low-emission activities might be exempt—check NESREA’s Air Quality Regulations schedules before assuming you do not need a permit .
3. Simple 6-Step Application Process
Step 1: Sign Up on NESPAM
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Go to the NESPAM portal and click Enrolment.
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Enter your Tax ID (TIN)—8 digits for individuals, 13 for companies. NESREA pulls your basic info automatically.
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Provide email, phone, password.
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Receive your NESREA ID by SMS and log in .
Step 2: Register Your Facility
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In your dashboard, click Manage Facilities → Add Facility.
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Enter name, address, GPS coordinates, contact person.
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Upload your CAC Certificate of Incorporation, Tax Clearance, and Memorandum and Articles of Association.
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Submit and wait for NESREA’s quick approval .
Step 3: Start Permit Application
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Choose Permit Application, pick your facility and year.
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Select Air Quality Permit.
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Fill in four simple tabs: Facility Details, Emission Sources, Control Measures, Compliance History. Save as you go
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
See the complete list in Section 4 below—just scan each to PDF (max 8 MB) and upload .
Step 5: Pay Fees via Remita
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Click Payments → Click to Pay.
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Choose bank transfer, card, or USSD on Remita.
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Download your payment receipt and NESPAM invoice from Downloads .
Step 6: Download Your Permit
Once NESREA reviews and approves, go to Downloads and get your official Air Quality Permit (with QR code) .
4. What You Must Upload
| Document | Why It’s Needed |
|---|---|
| Air Quality Permit Application Form | Official form from NESREA’s “Permits” page |
| Certificate of Incorporation | Proves your company is legally registered |
| Tax Clearance (last 3 years) | Shows you have paid taxes |
| Environmental Impact Statement (new sites) | Required for brand-new projects |
| Environmental Audit Report (existing) | Shows past emissions every 3 years |
| Environmental Management Plan | Your plan to keep emissions in check |
| Air Quality Impact Assessment | Technical model of how pollutants spread |
| Stack/Vent Specifications | Drawings & exhaust details |
| Proof of Payment | NESREA Remita receipt |
5. How Much You Will Pay
NESREA sets all fees by regulation—they are not hidden or negotiable. You will see exact amounts only on your NESPAM invoice after you submit your application. Here is how fees appear:
| Fee Type | Where to Find Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | On NESPAM invoice after submission |
| Processing Fee | On NESPAM invoice |
| Permit Fee | Under “Permit Fees” on your invoice |
| Amendment Fee | Displayed when you request changes |
| Renewal Fee | On renewal invoice |
| Appeal/Re-hearing Fee | When you file an appeal on the portal |
6. Validity, Renewal & Amendments
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Valid for 1 year from date of issue.
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Renew at least 90 days before expiry, using the same steps—just upload renewal receipt .
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Amend by submitting the amendment form + payment receipt via NESPAM’s “Amend Permit” menu .
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Appeal refusals within 21 working days; NESREA replies within 14 working days .
7. Common Misunderstandings
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “One-time permit—no renewals needed.” | You must renew every year or face penalties. |
| “Online only—no documents.” | You still upload all PDFs (max 8 MB). |
| “Fees are random.” | All fees are fixed by law and shown on your invoice. |
| “No EIA/EAR needed.” | New sites need an EIS; existing need an EAR every 3 years. |
| “Consultants are compulsory.” | Consultants are optional—upload your own reports if you can. |
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long before I get my NESREA air permit?
You will get an acknowledgment within 7 working days of a complete application; the final decision arrives within 30 working days .
Q2: What if NESREA says my application is incomplete?
They will pause the 30-day clock, tell you what is missing, and resume once you supply the documents .
Q3: Can I change my permit after it is issued?
Yes—use the Amend Permit option on NESPAM, upload reasons and your payment receipt .
Q4: What if I miss the renewal deadline?
Operating without a valid permit can lead to enforcement notices, stoppage orders or fines under the Air Quality Regulations .
Q5: How do I verify someone else’s permit?
Each permit PDF has a QR code—scan it or check the NESREA portal to confirm validity .
By following these plain-language steps—straight from NESREA’s own website—you will secure and maintain your NESREA Air quality permit without hassle, keep your operations legal, and help protect Nigeria’s air. Good luck!
