By Fatima Saka
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has officially closed down 46 facilities in 10 states across the Federation due to a variety of environmental infractions.
The enforcement operation was conducted in Borno, Gombe, Ogun, Enugu, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Taraba States.
These facilities were shuttered for non-compliance with the stipulations of the National Environmental Regulations. Their transgressions included breaches of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, absence of an Environmental Audit Report, and failure to formulate and execute an Environmental Management Plan.
Certain facilities also faced repercussions for failing to install an Effluent Treatment Plant, lacking the requisite permits for their activities, and maintaining subpar housekeeping standards, among other violations.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, the Director General of NESREA, expressed disappointment at the widespread lack of adherence among these facilities, cautioning that this pattern posed a significant threat to public health and the environment.
“It is disheartening to see these negligent facilities continue their operations in a manner that jeopardizes the environment, despite being issued Notices of Compliance Concerns as mandated by law. The Agency remains committed to upholding the 35 National Environmental Regulations and will not hesitate to levy appropriate penalties against offenders,” he remarked.
He further stated, “Laws are enacted to ensure the smooth functioning of society, and compliance with these laws fosters comprehensive development. I urge Nigerians to uphold their role as environmental stewards by abiding by the laws and reporting any instances of environmental misconduct.”
