NESREA seals 8 companies in A’Ibom over environmental laws

Ini Billie, Uyo

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed eight companies in Akwa Ibom State for contravening environmental laws.

State Coordinator of the agency, Mrs Iwobi Ngozi mentioned the affected companies to include Hensek Integrated Nigeria Ltd, Basse Engineering & Michel Ltd, Peacock Paints Ltd and Wizchino Engineering Ltd.

Others are Lion Plywood and Timber Nig Ltd, China Civil Engineering Construction Ltd, VKS Nig Ltd, and DPL Construction Ltd.

Speaking to newsmen on Thursday in Uyo, Ngozi explained that the affected companies did not produce the Environmental Audit Report of their operations as required by law.

She stated that the companies have operated for a long time in the state without recourse to the requisite environmental laws that regulate their operations, even after the agency has carried out enough sensitization and enlightenment to draw their attention to it.

“The last two companies mentioned above obstructed us when we visited them during our routine checks on them. The security men at the gate attack the team from our agency and prevented us from entering the company facility, VKS and DPL obstructed us.

“That alone was another offence which attract another penalty before we reopen their facility for operation. Notice for obstructing the team and the penalty have been sent to them.

“Contrary to section 31 of NESREA established Act, it is an offence for Officers of the agency to be obstructed by person or persons or by corporate body from performing his or her duties.

“It is worthy to note that beside its robust mandate, the agency’s compliance monitoring and enforcement activities are structured and carried out based on the provisions of 33 National Environmental Regulations,” she stated.

Ngozi mentioned that the companies ignored all the notification of letters of concern and notices issued to enable them carry out their operations in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner.

She explained that the agency would continue to embark on a nationwide enforcement exercise to put to an end the era of gross negligence and non-adherence to set standards and regulations by some industries whose activities posed serious threat to the environment.

“The level of impunity exhibited by these erring facilities must not be allowed to continue. This exercise is an ongoing process, and the agency will, without warning go ahead to sanction any facility that falls below regulatory standards,” she added.