Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, is set to begin implementation of the National Vehicular Emission Control Programme (NVECP) and National Generator Emission Control Programme (NGECP) on Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.
The programme which is aimed at addressing air pollution problems in Nigeria will involve periodic testing of generators and vehicles for toxic emissions.
The Director-General, NESREA, Prof. Aliyu Jauro, disclosed this at the Investiture of the 16th National President of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Dr Efegbidiki Okobia Lymson in Abuja on Thursday.
Jauro said the two programme were officially flagged-off on 23rd January, 2023 by the Hon. Min. of Environment.
The Director-General noted that the environmental challenges facing the country were man made.
He said “The Nigerian environment is faced with numerous challenges largely caused by human or manmade and natural. Some of the challenges include over cultivation, wood exploitation, overgrazing, Urbanization and industrialization, soil erosion, flooding, drought and desertification and forest fires.
In his acceptance speech, the new National President of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Dr Efegbidiki Okobia said he would work to make the society more inclusive by involving members from diverse backgrounds to ensure that everyone has a place where their voices, knowledge and values are utilized for the development of the Nigerian Environmental Society and country at large.
Dr Okobia also promised to establish a research and development unit for the strengthening of scientific knowledge base through research for mitigating environmental challenges.
“Firstly, we will reach out to government and private institutions for collaboration, knowledge sharing and technological transfer going by our membership capacity, expertise, and corporate membership strength. This is important as all socio-economic activities are centred in the environment. This is demonstrated by the gathering of special guest to this investiture ceremony.
“Secondly, we will make the Nigerian Environmental Society more visible to the wider public through the power of social media, digital communication, and traditional media channels. We will raise awareness of critical environmental issues and showcase the works our society is doing in addressing these challenges.
“Thirdly, we will work to make the Nigerian Environmental Society more inclusive by involving members from diverse backgrounds, including women, youths, students, and marginalized communities. This is to ensure that everyone has a place where their voices, knowledge and values are utilised for the development of our society and country at large. This will require the operationalisation of the society’s find-an-expert database, establishment of a research and development unit for strengthening scientific knowledge base through research for mitigating environmental challenges.
“Finally, we will make the Nigerian Environmental Society more vibrant and dynamic by holding regular events, workshops, and ensuring that our e-learning platform is activated to enable our members participate in regular training sessions and learning events on the latest environmental management practices. This will contribute to the development of a more robust and capable environmental sector in Nigeria.
“We will make the Nigerian Environmental Society more transparent, accountable, and accessible by establishing clear governance structures and processes, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring our members have access to information and resources to fully participate in the work of the society.
The Chairman of the ceremony, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. LEO Irabor lauded the NES for it’s contributions to national development.
The CDS was represented by Commander, Defence Headquarters Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Elias Attu.
Earlier, welcoming guests, Chairman, Investiture Organizing Committee, Paul Akporowho expressed confidence that NES under the leadership of Dr. Okobia will continue to make significant progress in fulfilling it’s mandate as envisioned by the founding fathers.
Goodwill messages came from the Board of Trustee’s and Committee of Past Presidents of the NSE, College of Fellows of the Nigerian Environmental Society, COREN etc.
