The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has pledged to amongst others, create public awareness and provide environmental education on sustainable environmental management, promote private sector compliance with environmental regulations other than in the oil and gas sector, and publish general scientific or other data resulting from the performance of these functions.
The pioneer director-general of the agency, Dr. Ngeri Benebo, gave this assurance in a chat with media executives at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, yesterday.
According to the DG, the importance of environmental compliance, monitoring and enforcement in all sectors of the economy can hardly be over-emphasised. “An effective environmental compliance and monitoring programme helps to achieve the goals of protecting public health and environmental quality, build and strengthen environmental integrity so as to ensure fairness and reduce cost and liabilities,” she stated.
She said that the decision to call for a media chat was informed by the recognition of the important role the media will play in the dissemination of information and in shaping public opinion on issues relating to compliance and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and standards.
While highlighting the functions and powers of NESREA, the DG said the agency shall have powers in collaboration with other relevant agencies in the prevention, reduction and elimination of pollution and other forms of environmental degradation in the nation’s air, land, oceans and other water bodies and for restoration and enhancement of the nation’s environment and natural resources.
The federal government in line with section 20 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeira, estbalished as a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Housing and Urban Development.
Dr. Ngeri Benebo, was until her appointment, the director, Environmental Health and Sanitation in the ministry.
[Leadership]