By Doris Esa
Prof. Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has expressed concern over poor compliance with environmental regulations by operators in the construction sector.
Barikor expressed the concern after the agency sealed 30 construction sites in the FCT for violating provisions of the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations, 2011.
The facilities sealed by NESREA include Primgate Reality in Wuye, XTadok Nigeria Limited in Wuye, and Samdus Limited in Asokoro District, among others.
Speaking with newsmen after the exercise, Barikor, who was represented by Mr Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control, said the violations were uncovered during routine inspections and compliance monitoring across the FCT.
According to him, the affected facilities failed to meet regulatory requirements, especially in environmental documentation and responsiveness to compliance directives.
“These facilities demonstrated unwillingness to fully comply with regulatory requirements relating to environmental documentation and engagement,” he said.
He explained that the enforcement action was taken to halt environmentally non-compliant activities, compel adherence to regulations, and ensure corrective measures are implemented within stipulated timelines.
Barikor noted that while the construction sector remains vital to national development, it must be effectively regulated to mitigate risks such as poor waste management, construction on floodplains and environmentally sensitive areas, as well as uncontrolled dust emissions.
“Where regulatory communication is clear, time-bound and evidence-based, failure to respond constitutes a serious breach of compliance obligations and poses risks to both the environment and public health,” he said.
He stressed that the regulations were designed to prevent environmental harm and ensure responsible construction practices from the outset.
“Environmental compliance is not optional,” he warned.
The NESREA boss assured that the agency would continue to enforce environmental laws fairly and consistently nationwide.
“Let this enforcement serve as a clear directive. NESREA will continue to enforce environmental regulations rigorously, particularly where non-compliance poses risks to the environment and public health,” he added.
He called on stakeholders to cooperate with the agency to improve environmental performance in the construction sector. (NAN)
