The Federal Government, through the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), has sealed off 14 facilities operating in violation of environmental laws within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Naijaonpoint understands that the closures followed repeated non-compliance with environmental regulations despite earlier notices issued to the affected facilities.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, NESREA’s Director General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, disclosed that the agency had earlier issued notices of violation, providing each facility a timeline and framework for corrective action. However, the operators failed to comply.
“The facilities were expected to address the observed breaches within stipulated timelines, but they ignored the advisory,” Barikor said.
He explained that the agency’s inspections covered a wide range of sectors, including quarrying, blasting, construction, and nightlife operations, focusing on compliance with relevant environmental laws.
The NESREA chief said the enforcement followed public complaints, especially against Ibiza Nite Club and De Hive Night Club in Abuja.
He noted that investigations confirmed the clubs violated noise level regulations.
“Our team discovered that Ibiza and De Hive nightclubs consistently exceeded permissible noise limits as outlined in the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009,” Barikor stated.
He warned that excessive noise pollution, especially in residential areas, poses serious health risks and contributes to environmental degradation.
Barikor also drew attention to the illegal activities of Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited, a quarrying and blasting firm accused by residents of indiscriminate and dangerous blasting activities.
“Our investigations revealed multiple infractions by the company, including ground vibrations, air pollution, and boulder fly-outs,” he revealed.
According to NESREA’s findings, the company used a Charge Loading Density (CLD) of 4,000kg per blast, far above the 3,000kg limit specified in the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
The depth of the blasting hole (14 metres) and quarrying pit (17 metres) also violated the 8–10m and 3m limits, respectively, set for commercial blasting operations.
“These excessive blasting practices pose serious safety risks to lives and property in surrounding communities,” the NESREA boss warned.
In addition to the blasting and entertainment sectors, NESREA sanctioned eleven construction firms for operating without mandatory environmental documents such as the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Audit Report (EAR), as required by the National Environmental (Construction Sector) Regulations 2011.
The affected Construction firms and estates include:
- 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, Kukwaba District
- Java Design Concept Nigeria, Wuse II
Barikor called on facility owners to comply with environmental standards, warning that the agency would not hesitate to act against repeat offenders.
“Operators must take proactive measures to minimise their environmental impact. We will continue to monitor quarrying and construction activities and take appropriate action against any entity that disregards environmental regulations,” he said.
He reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to enforcing the law, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment for all Nigerians.