By Faridat Salifu
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 46 facilities across ten states of the country for different environmental infractions on Friday.
The facilities shut down on Friday comprised packaging companies, pharmaceutical firms, construction sites and bakeries.
Notable closures in Ogun State includes Polyfilm Packaging Limited, Greenpak Specialties Limited, and Jics Industries Nigeria Limited, among others. In Oyo State, Polyfilm Packaging Limited and Bentos Pharmaceutical Limited were among those affected.
Other states where NESREA enforced compliance are Borno, Gombe, Ogun, Enugu, Edo, Osun, Plateau, Nasarawa, and Taraba.
NESREA’s enforcement action targeted facilities that refused to comply with various provisions of the National Environmental Regulations.
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Common violations included breaches of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, failure to submit Environmental Audit Reports, and not developing or implementing Environmental Management Plans.
Additional offences includes the lack of Effluent Treatment Plants, non-availability of necessary operational permits, and poor housekeeping practices.
NESREA’s Director General, lnnocent Bariko, expressed deep concern over the widespread non-compliance of the rules and regulations by the offenders.
“It is disheartening that these facilities carried on their operations in a manner that endangered the environment despite being served Notices of Compliance Concerns as required by law,” Dr. Barikor stated.
He emphasized the agency’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws, saying, “The Agency will continue to enforce the provisions of the 35 National Environmental Regulations and will not hesitate to impose appropriate penalties on violators.”
Barikor underscored the importance of adhering to environmental regulations for the health of citizens and the environment.
“Laws are made for the smooth running of society, and compliance with these laws enhances wholesome development,” he said.
