The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has promoted the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, to the rank of Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies.
Barikor’s elevation was among the promotion of 46 staff members approved during the 187th meeting of the university’s Governing Council, chaired by the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa. According to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Onwunari Georgewill, 30 senior academics were promoted to professor, while 16 were elevated to associate professor after a rigorous assessment process.
Since assuming office as NESREA’s Director General in May last year, Prof. Barikor has made significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability. He has led the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme across the food and beverage, battery, used tyre, and electronics sectors. His leadership also facilitated the development of key environmental regulations, including the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations, which is awaiting gazette.
Under his guidance, NESREA conducted 1,671 compliance monitoring visits, resulting in the shutdown of 96 facilities for environmental infractions. He also oversaw the unbundling of NESREA offices in key states to improve operational efficiency.
Barikor has attracted significant support from international partners, including the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the German and Japanese governments. His efforts have enhanced NESREA’s capacity, including the installation of a 30KVA solar power system at the National Reference Laboratory in Port Harcourt and the launch of the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme (NIDP) to tackle industrial emissions.
