NESREA Seals 14 Facilities in Abuja Over Environmental Violations
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 14 facilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for failing to comply with key environmental regulations. The agency, in a sweeping enforcement operation, targeted firms involved in quarrying, construction, and entertainment, citing violations ranging from noise pollution to illegal blasting and failure to conduct mandatory environmental impact assessments.
The announcement was made by NESREA Director-General, Professor Innocent Barikor, who said the affected facilities had been served prior notices of non-compliance and given ample time to meet regulatory requirements. However, they continued operations without addressing the environmental risks posed by their activities.
Among the sealed facilities was Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, a quarry operator found to be using explosives above legally permitted levels. The company reportedly operated with a charge loading density of 4,000kg per blast well above the 3,000kg regulatory limit and violated pit depth standards by drilling to depths of 17 meters, far exceeding the 10-meter limit specified in the 2013 National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations.
In the entertainment sector, popular nightclubs such as Ibiza Nite Club and De Hive Night Club were shut down for persistently exceeding acceptable noise levels, in clear breach of the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009. Residents living near the clubs had raised repeated complaints about unbearable noise pollution affecting their wellbeing.
Additionally, eleven construction firms, including Shaanxi Construction, Brmley Home, Skyscape Real Estate, Ifedi Homes, and Java Design Concept, were sealed for operating without essential environmental documentation such as Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Environmental Audit Reports (EAR), as mandated under the 2011 Construction Sector Regulations.
This latest crackdown follows a similar operation in May during which NESREA sealed 21 other projects in Abuja for environmental violations. Those previously affected include Ochacho Real Homes, Cosgrove Shopping Mall, and several estates and construction firms located in Wuse II, Lugbe, Katampe, and the Central Business District.
Speaking on the enforcement action, Professor Barikor said the agency will no longer tolerate blatant disregard for environmental laws. He urged all operators, particularly in the construction and industrial sectors, to prioritise environmental safety and adhere to all relevant regulations. “We are committed to protecting the environment and the health of Nigerians. These regulations are in place not just for compliance, but to ensure sustainable development,” he stated.
NESREA also assured the public that it would continue monitoring activities in Abuja and across the country, and that further actions would be taken against any facility found to be endangering the environment or public health.
