2The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 30 construction sites in the Federal Capital Territory for violating the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations 2011.
Among the affected facilities are Primgate Reality in Wuye, XTadok Nigeria Limited in Wuye, and Samdus Limited in Asokoro District.
Speaking after the enforcement exercise, NESREA Director-General Innocent Barikor—represented by Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control—expressed dismay at the construction sector’s poor compliance with environmental rules. The violations were uncovered during routine inspections and compliance monitoring across the FCT.
“These facilities demonstrated an unwillingness to fully comply with regulatory requirements relating to environmental documentation and engagement,” Mr Barikor said. He noted that the affected sites failed to meet standards on environmental documentation and responsiveness to compliance directives.
The enforcement action, he explained, aims to halt non-compliant activities, compel adherence to regulations, and ensure corrective measures are implemented within set timelines.
While the construction sector remains vital to national development, Mr Barikor stressed that it must be effectively regulated to mitigate risks such as poor waste management, construction on floodplains and sensitive environmental areas, and 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. “Environmental compliance is not optional.”
Mr Barikor assured that NESREA 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 called on stakeholders to cooperate with the agency to improve environmental performance in the construction sector.