The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed 14 companies across various sectors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for breaching environmental laws.
Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, confirmed the enforcement action during a press briefing, revealing that affected facilities were previously issued notices outlining specific violations and given timelines to comply. However, many failed to take corrective steps.
The violations, uncovered during recent inspections, included absence of environmental compliance documents and disregard for regulations governing construction, quarrying, and noise levels. Barikor said such non-compliance poses serious risks to public health and safety.
The closures were carried out under three major environmental regulations: the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations, 2013; the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations, 2011; and the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009.
Among the sealed establishments were Ibiza Nite Club and De Hive Night Club, which were found to exceed permissible noise levels, prompting multiple complaints from residents.
Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, a quarrying firm, was also sanctioned following public outcry over excessive blasting activities. NESREA’s findings showed the company used explosives above the permitted charge loading density, operated at unsafe depths, and caused significant ground vibration and air pollution—clear breaches of blasting regulations.
In addition, 11 other facilities, including Shaanxi Construction, Brmley Home, Clover Court, Skyscape Real Estate, and others, were sanctioned for operating without mandatory environmental documents such as Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Environmental Audit Reports (EAR).
Barikor urged businesses to comply with national environmental standards and adopt responsible practices to minimise their environmental impact. He added that NESREA will continue monitoring activities in the construction and quarrying sectors and will not hesitate to penalise violators.