The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 21 facilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for violations of environmental laws.
The affected facilities include Ochacho Real Homes Limited in Idu, Cosgrove Shopping Mall Project in Wuse II, Belmont Court in Idu, and 18 others found to be in breach of extant environmental regulations.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, NESREA Director General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the enforcement action was necessary to curb the environmental hazards caused by the non-compliant activities of the facilities.
“The negative impacts of construction and quarrying activities in the FCT have triggered public outcry, especially from host communities,” Barikor stated. “These activities contribute to environmental degradation, including flooding, erosion, and the formation of hazardous burrow pits.”
He further explained that several of the sealed projects failed to comply with the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations 2011 and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act.
According to him, NESREA conducted investigations following numerous complaints from the public and issued compliance notices to the offending facilities, which were disregarded.
“Many of these facilities began operations without conducting the mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment. Their failure to adhere to environmental laws prompted the agency to take enforcement action,” Barikor added.
He reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s environment and ensuring sustainable development through strict enforcement of environmental standards.
