By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on Wednesday sealed 14 facilities across various sectors in the Federal Capital Territory for violating environmental regulations.
The enforcement followed earlier inspections by NESREA officials, which uncovered several breaches, including the absence of environmental documents and failure to comply with operational standards that pose risks to public health and safety.
Speaking after the exercise, NESREA’s Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, said the affected facilities were earlier issued three compliance concern letters detailing the specific violations and corrective measures expected.
He explained that the 14 facilities failed to act within the stipulated period, leading to the enforcement action.
The sealed establishments comprised Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, ACO, Airport Road; Ibiza Nite Club and De Hive Night Club, both on Port Harcourt Crescent, Area 11; Shaanxi Construction, Airport Road; Brmley Home, Katampe; and Clover Court, Mabushi.
The rest were: Skyscape Real Estate, Sabon Lugbe; Richardo Estate and H-Medix Building, Wuye; Stepcho Nigeria Limited, Wuye; Bima Shelter, Asokoro; Bilami Nigeria Enterprise, Kado; Ifedi Homes Estate, Kukwaba; and Java Design Concept Nigeria, Wuse II.
Barikor revealed that Dai Jin Jia Investment was sealed for illegal quarrying and reckless blasting activities, which triggered protests by ACO Estate residents.
Investigations showed the company exceeded the regulated three metric tonnes of explosives per blast, used a 14-metre blast hole depth—beyond the 8–10 metres allowed—and operated a quarry pit 17 metres deep, far above the 3-metre regulatory limit.
“These activities caused ground vibration, flying rocks, noise, and air pollution, which endangered the lives of nearby residents,” Barikor stated.
Ibiza and De Hive nightclubs were also shut down following repeated complaints over excessive noise levels.
NESREA found both clubs in violation of the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009.
Despite receiving formal notices and instructions to reduce noise, the clubs failed to comply, prompting their closure.
Barikor emphasized that the enforcement action is corrective rather than punitive, adding that NESREA offers training to help facility managers understand sector-specific regulations.
He warned that unsealing any premises without agency approval is a serious offense.
NESREA’s Director of Environmental Quality Control, Elijah Udofia, explained that several construction companies were sanctioned for starting projects without conducting mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
“We requested their environmental documents, but they failed to present the required Environmental Impact Statements,” he said.
The enforcement was based on breaches of three key regulations: the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 33), the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 13), and the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009 (S.I. 35).
Barikor reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s environment, urging all operators—especially in construction, quarrying, and entertainment—to comply with laws and adopt sustainable practices.
