The Federal Government has approved over 700 environmental consultants tasked with carrying out Environmental Audits and guaranteeing that environmental laws are strictly enforced across the country. A report published by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), revealed that the experts support various Nigerian companies in resolving related issues. Consultants perform audits, gather and record proof, and evaluate facility compliance with regulations. They create strategies for implementation, offer advice to clients, and afterwards submit Environmental Audits (EAs) to NESREA for certification and assessment.
Through periodic sessions, the agency made it clear that consultants accredited by NESREA are required to adhere to the agency rules. Acting on its mandate, the agency closed 13 sites in the Federal Capital Territory in March 2024 due to negligence of environmental standards. Dayak Nigeria Limited, Veritas Plastics and Almat Farms are among the establishments that were shut down as a result of several environmental violations. In accordance with due process, NESREA waited to take action until after all correspondence on the environmental status of these facilities had been completed.
Guaranteeing adherence to environmental regulations.
Since 2022, the agency has enforced laws on 115 establishments. In addition, it is enforcing the circular Economy by registering electrical devices, batteries, food, drink, and plastics. According to the agency’s most recent report, the audits are examined to determine the Environmental Management Systems implemented by numerous industries and institutions. In order to mitigate the issue of e-waste in Nigeria, NESREA partners with other pertinent MDAs (ministries, departments, and agencies) to examine and grant import authorization to purchasers of used electrical and electronic equipment before allowing it into the nation.
During his statement at the recent induction event of 100 newly approved consultants in Abuja, Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of NESREA, stated that the consultants would play a critical role in promoting Environmental Sustainability and protection in Nigeria. Barikor went on to say that their function is essential to identifying, evaluating, and mitigating environmental problems as well as guaranteeing adherence to set regulations and standards. They will support the observation, assessment, and enhancement of best practices in a range of industries. This will support sustainable development, Public Health protection, and the preservation of natural resources.
Positively impacting Nigerians’ quality of life.
Induction of the new consultants comes at a time when Nigeria is battling with growing ecological issues, such as pollution, deforestation, and the effects of climate change. The overarching goal is to guarantee that companies and sectors of the economy abide by the regulations, which will lessen their ecological footprint and mitigate negative effects. It is also in line with the government’s emphasis on ecological preservation and sustainable development, which highlights the value of creative funding options like green Bonds and public-private partnerships to help these initiatives.
Collaboration among a range of stakeholders, including organizations, governments, and foreign partners, is essential to the initiative’s sustainability. Such effort is the active support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on Nigeria’s environmental Sustainability initiatives. Approval of the consultants is a clear demonstration of the government’s resolve to enhance eco-governance and advancing Sustainable Development nationwide. It is anticipated that this project will have a major positive impact on Nigerians’ quality of life, public health, and protect our environment.
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In addition, the Environmental Assessment Department (EAD) has set out to accredits environmental laboratories, develops and reviews national guidelines for environmental management systems and audits, and offers technical assistance to a range of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The EAD seeks to reduce the damaging effects of development projects on the environment and to advance sustainable practice. This all-encompassing strategy is expected to raise the standard of environmental data and strengthen compliance monitoring nationwide.