NESREA Seals 14 Firms For Violating Environmental Regulations In FCT

National Environmental Standard and Regulatory Agency (NESREA) has enforced the closure of 14 erring facilities in various sectors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The director-general/CEO of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, told journalists that notices of violation were issued to the affected facilities detailing specific breaches observed and provided a framework for corrective actions prior to their closure, but they failed to address the issues.

He revealed that the agency’s inspection focused on compliance with environmental laws and regulations, and these had showed several violations related to a lack of environmental documents and non-adherence to regulations guiding their operations, which, according to him, could endanger the lives and properties of citizens.

Barikor explained that the enforcement involved three different regulations: quarrying and blasting operations, the construction sector, and noise standards and control.
He stressed that the inspection followed complaints about some Nite Club facilities, where measurements had later showed that the facilities indeed exceeded permissible noise levels in contravention of the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009, as well as public outcry by residents over incessant and indiscriminate blasting by some quarrying firms.

He added that some other facilities were sanctioned for lacking necessary environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Audit Report as prescribed in the National Environment (Construction Sector) Regulations 2011.

Barikor advised that facilities’ owners should adhere to established standards and take proactive measures to minimise environmental impact, promising that the agency will continue to monitor the activities of organizations closely and take appropriate actions against any entity that disregards environmental regulations.