The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, has called on companies and facilities across Nigeria to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations.
This comes after reports of routine compliance monitoring in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) revealed significant violations.
Dr. Barikor expressed concern over the growing trend of non-compliance, particularly highlighting the discharge of untreated effluents and the absence of essential environmental documents such as:
- Environmental Impact Statements
- Environmental Audits
- Environmental Permits
He stressed that these violations pose serious risks to the environment, warning that NESREA will take necessary actions to penalise any facility found polluting or failing to meet the set environmental standards.
NESREA’s Enforcement Efforts
Dr. Barikor explained that several non-compliant facilities had already been issued notices to address their environmental concerns.
From January 2024 to date, NESREA has shut down 75 facilities for non-compliance. These enforcement actions will continue as part of the agency’s mandate to safeguard the environment.
Role of NESREA in Environmental Protection
NESREA is responsible for enforcing environmental laws, standards, and protocols in Nigeria. The agency has established 36 National Environmental Regulations covering various sectors to ensure industries and facilities comply with environmental standards, prevent pollution, and safeguard public health.
Importance of Compliance
Dr. Barikor urged all facilities to prioritise environmental compliance, as neglecting these responsibilities could result in severe penalties.
NESREA remains committed to its continuous monitoring and enforcement actions to ensure a clean and healthy environment in Nigeria.
For more information on NESREA’s guidelines and environmental laws, visit the NESREA website.
