By Jacinta Hycenth, Abuja
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 14 facilities across various sectors within the Federal Capital Territory for flouting environmental laws.
The Director-General/CEO of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, confirmed that agency’s team had conducted comprehensive inspection of numerous facilities, focusing on compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
These inspections, he said revealed several violations related to lack of environmental documents, non-adherence to regulations guiding their operations, among others, which can threaten or endanger both lives and properties.
Following these inspections, the agency issued three notices of compliance concern to erring facilities, detailing the specific breaches observed and provided a framework for corrective actions.
The affected facilities were, Shaanxi Construction Airport Road; Brmley Home, Katampe; Clover Court, Mabushi, Skyscape Real Estate Limited, Sabon Lugbe; Richardo Estate, Wuye; H Medix Building, Wuye; Stepcho Nigeria Limited, Wuye; Bima Shelter, Asokoro; Bilami Nig. Enterprise Kado; Ifedi Homes Estate/Residential Development, Kukwaba District; and Java Design Concept Nigeria, Wuse II.
Prof. Barikor noted that the 14 facilities were required to address these issues within stipulated time, but ignored the agency’s notification of concern letters, hence the need for enforcement to protect the environment for present and future generations.
The enforcement action cuts across three different regulations are: National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013, S.I 33; National Environment (Construction Sector) Regulations 2011 S.I 13; and National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009, S.I 35.
According to the director-general, out of the fourteen facilities sealed, one of the facilities, Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, Aco, Airport Road, Abuja, was engaged in Quarrying Operations.
“Following the protest by residents of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Estate, popularly known as ACO Estate on Saturday, 19th July 2025 against the incessant and indiscriminate blasting operations by Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, which was publicized in the media and the latest which happened on Thursday 17th July 2025, a team of officers from the Agency were dispatched to the facility for investigation,” he stated.
“The Charge Loading Density (CLD) of the explosives of 4 metric tonnes (4,000kg) used by the facility exceeded the 3 metric tonnes (3,000kg) per blast prescribed in the National Environmental Regulations by 1 metric tonnes (1,000kg).
“The depth of the blasting hole of 14 metres used by the facility exceeded the 8-10m depth for commercial blasting prescribed by National Environmental Regulations.
“The depth of the quarrying/blasting pit of 17 metres of the facility also exceeded the 3m prescribed by the National Environmental Regulations of blasting of rock mass occurring below the earth surface by 14 metres.
“All the above concerns noted during the investigation results to ground vibration, flying of rocks (boulders), noise and air pollution which the residents protested against. The facility was therefore sealed to protect life and the environment,” he said.
Prof. Barikor reaffirmed NESREA’s unwavering commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and protecting our natural resources. He urged all facilities to adhere to the established standards and take proactive measures to minimize their environmental impact.
