The National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) conducted a significant enforcement operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, resulting in the closure of 21 facilities for violating established environmental regulations. This decisive action underscores NESREA’s commitment to upholding environmental protection standards and addressing the growing concerns regarding environmental degradation resulting from unregulated construction and quarrying activities. The affected facilities, ranging from real estate developments and construction companies to transportation and project management firms, were found to be in breach of environmental laws, prompting NESREA to take decisive action to mitigate the adverse impacts of their operations.
The sealed facilities represent a cross-section of the construction and development sector in the FCT. They include prominent real estate projects like White Avenue Real Estate, Mab Global Estate, Ochacho Real Homes Limited, and Efedi Homes, along with construction companies such as CCECC, Mo Mouna Construction, Istrom Construction, and Constrix. Additionally, project management and service companies like Anarock Global Services Limited, Quali Trends Nigerian Limited, and T’lon Construction and Facilities Management were also affected. The closure of such a diverse range of facilities highlights the widespread nature of environmental non-compliance within the FCT’s construction and development sector, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement and greater adherence to environmental regulations.
Professor Innocent Barikor, the Director General of NESREA, explained that the enforcement action stemmed from the persistent negative environmental consequences of the facilities’ activities, particularly in construction and quarrying. Public outcry from affected communities, coupled with observable environmental damage such as flooding, erosion, and the creation of hazardous burrow pits, prompted NESREA’s intervention. The Agency aims to address the environmental degradation and prevent further ecological damage caused by these unregulated operations. This proactive approach signifies a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable development practices within the FCT and safeguarding the environment for present and future generations.
Professor Barikor further elaborated that many of the sealed facilities had contravened the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations 2011 and the Environmental Impacts Assessment Act. A significant violation involved the failure to conduct mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) prior to commencing projects. EIAs are crucial for identifying potential environmental risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, ensuring environmentally responsible development. The disregard for this fundamental legal requirement highlights the need for greater awareness and compliance with environmental regulations within the construction sector. NESREA’s enforcement action aims to reinforce the importance of EIAs and encourage proactive environmental management practices.
Prior to the closures, NESREA officials diligently investigated the public complaints against the facilities. Notices of compliance concerns were issued, providing the facilities with an opportunity to rectify their violations and align their operations with environmental standards. However, the facilities failed to address the identified issues, prompting NESREA to take the necessary enforcement action. This phased approach demonstrates NESREA’s commitment to providing opportunities for compliance before resorting to more drastic measures. The closures serve as a clear message that environmental regulations must be taken seriously and that non-compliance will result in consequences.
NESREA’s decisive enforcement action in the FCT underscores its commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development practices. The closure of 21 facilities highlights the prevalence of environmental violations within the construction sector, emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to regulations and more robust enforcement mechanisms. By holding these facilities accountable, NESREA aims to address the concerns of affected communities, mitigate further environmental damage, and promote a culture of environmental responsibility within the construction and development industry. This proactive approach is crucial for preserving the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for the FCT.
