NESREA Seals 21 Facilities in Abuja for Environmental Violations
Abuja, Nigeria – In a decisive crackdown on environmental non-compliance, the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) sealed off 21 facilities across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday.
The enforcement action targeted real estate and construction projects that flagrantly violated key national environmental laws, highlighting growing concerns over ecological degradation in Nigeria’s capital.
The operation, conducted by NESREA officials, focused on projects that failed to adhere to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act and the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations, 2011.
These regulations mandate that developers conduct thorough environmental impact assessments before commencing activities, ensure proper waste management, and implement measures to mitigate pollution and habitat destruction.
The sealed facilities include a mix of residential estates, shopping malls, and infrastructure projects, underscoring the widespread nature of the violations.
Among the affected sites are prominent developments such as Ochacho Real Homes Limited in Idu, Cosgrove Shopping Mall Project in Wuse II, Belmont Court in Idu, White Avenue Real Estate in Lugbe, and Cosgrove Estate in the Central Business District.
Other entities impacted by the seals include CCECC’s Federal Inland Revenue Service project and CBD site, Mo Mouna Construction in Katampe, Practis Project, Istrom Construction, Mab Global Estate in Idu, Constrix in Idu, Anarock Global Services Limited, Quali Trends Nigeria Limited, Boked International Limited, Tim Tali Transport Limited, Matilda Rozi Limited, Efedi Homes in Kukwaba District, T’lon Construction and Facilities Management, Tayyib Homes Limited in Lugbe, and Contrix Cube in Katampe.
Speaking to journalists during the enforcement exercise, NESREA’s Director General, Professor Innocent Barikor, emphasized the urgency of the agency’s actions. “This operation was necessitated by the growing environmental degradation caused by the construction and quarrying activities of these companies,” he said. “We are seeing unchecked pollution, deforestation, and improper waste disposal that not only harm our ecosystems but also pose risks to public health.
NESREA will not tolerate any further violations; compliance is non-negotiable for sustainable development.”
The crackdown comes amid increasing scrutiny of Nigeria’s construction sector, which has been criticized for prioritizing rapid urbanization over environmental safeguards. Abuja, as the nation’s administrative hub, has witnessed a surge in real estate and infrastructure projects in recent years, often at the expense of green spaces and natural resources.
Environmental experts have warned that such unregulated activities contribute to issues like soil erosion, water contamination, and air pollution, which could exacerbate climate change impacts in the region.
NESREA, established under the Federal Ministry of Environment, is empowered to enforce environmental standards and regulations across the country. The agency has previously conducted similar operations in other states, but this latest move in the FCT signals a renewed push for accountability.
Professor Barikor added that the sealed facilities would remain closed until the operators rectify their violations and obtain necessary approvals, urging other developers to self-audit their projects to avoid similar consequences.
Stakeholders in the construction industry have mixed reactions. While some industry leaders acknowledge the need for stricter enforcement, others argue that bureaucratic hurdles in obtaining permits delay projects and hinder economic growth.
Environmental activists, however, have praised NESREA’s efforts, calling it a vital step toward protecting Nigeria’s fragile ecosystems.
As the FCT continues to expand, this enforcement action serves as a stark reminder of the balance required between development and environmental preservation.
NESREA has vowed to intensify its monitoring and enforcement activities nationwide, aiming to foster a culture of compliance that supports long-term sustainability.
