The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed two facilities in Kogi State, north-central Nigeria and Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory for violating environmental laws.
Geld Construction Limited in Abaji and Arno Energy, a charcoal production facility in Okaba, Kogi State, were shut down for failing to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and not possessing required environmental documents such as air quality permits, environmental audit reports, and waste management permits.
These regulatory requirements are crucial for maintaining environmental standards across facilities. The EIA provides guidance on mitigating the negative impact of operations on the environment.
A statement by NESREA’s chief press secretary, Amaka Ejiofor noted that these facilities had not been conducting their activities in an environmentally friendly manner, resulting in negative effects on residents and their communities.
NESREA followed procedural steps, including issuing compliance notices, to encourage corrective actions. The facilities were eventually closed to protect public health and the environment.
NESREA’s director-general, Dr. Innocent Barikor urged industry operators to ensure compliance with environmental regulations to avoid such actions in the future.
