By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Director General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor on Wednesday disclosed that the Agency is reviewing several outdated environmental regulations to address new threats.
He stated this at a media briefing in Abuja.
He said the reviews are targeted at air pollution, hazardous waste, and wildlife conservation.
Among them, the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing Systems) Regulations 2009 and the National Environmental (International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora) Regulations 2011 have been finalized and are set for gazetting.
Dr. Barikor, disclosed that the agency is intensifying awareness campaigns in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to ensure environmental information reaches every Nigerian at the grassroots level.
Barikor highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling plastic pollution, announcing the ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in all Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He said,“As part of our efforts to enhance environmental education, we are leveraging NOA’s offices in 774 local government areas to create awareness and provide early warnings on environmental issues.
“In addition to the National Environmental (Plastic Waste Control) Regulations currently underway, the government has imposed a ban on Single-Use Plastics in all MDAs. This is a decisive step to combat plastic pollution,” he said.
“Furthermore, NESREA is preparing to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme for Plastic Packaging, which will hold manufacturers accountable for managing plastic waste.
“The agency is also set to launch a regional project aimed at reducing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from the electronics sector by the second quarter of the year.
“To improve efficiency, NESREA has expanded its operational offices across key states, including Lagos, Ogun, Nasarawa, Anambra, Kaduna, Niger, and Kano.
“The agency is also prioritizing the upgrade of its three reference laboratories to ensure reliable environmental data collection and strengthen enforcement actions.
Dr. Barikor called on Nigerians to actively participate in environmental protection by reporting infractions and adopting sustainable practices.
“We cannot do this alone. I urge all Nigerians to become environmental watchdogs by blowing the whistle on any environmental crime. Together, we can build a cleaner and healthier Nigeria for all,” he emphasized.
