NESREA Seals Four Nasarawa Facilities Over Pollution, EIA Violations

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has intensified its crackdown on environmentally harmful industrial activities, with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) sealing four facilities in Nasarawa State over alleged breaches of environmental regulations.

The latest enforcement action, carried out on Thursday by the agency’s Karu Operational Office, affected ABZAT Quarry, Hoafong Mining Trading Company Ltd, Emono Venture and Mivanyi Integrated Farms.

NESREA said the facilities were shut down for offences ranging from air pollution to failure to possess required environmental management documents, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The operation was led by the Head of Operations of the Karu Operational Office, Mr Da’am Monday.

The agency’s action is significant given the environmental risks associated with quarrying, mining and other industrial activities, particularly their potential impact on air quality, land, water resources and the health of communities hosting such operations.

Nigeria’s environmental regulatory framework specifically provides for the control of pollution from quarrying and blasting operations. NESREA’s regulations on the sector are designed to control the effects of such activities on the environment and human health while promoting responsible exploitation of natural resources.

Similarly, the agency maintains specific regulations governing air quality, with the stated objective of improving air quality and protecting human health, flora, fauna and other resources from deterioration caused by air pollutants.

The Nasarawa enforcement comes against the backdrop of growing regulatory attention to pollution and environmental degradation associated with industrial and extractive activities across the country.

NESREA, established under the 2007 Act, is empowered to enforce Nigeria’s environmental laws, standards, guidelines and regulations and to prohibit activities and processes capable of undermining environmental quality.

In recent years, the agency has increasingly resorted to sealing non-compliant facilities rather than allowing operators to continue activities while disregarding environmental requirements.

In September 2025, for instance, NESREA sealed 29 facilities across Ekiti, Osun and Ogun States, citing environmental pollution and regulatory breaches. The agency said some of the affected recycling operations posed serious health risks because of hazardous waste generated from their processes.

The agency has also taken enforcement action against quarrying operations in the Federal Capital Territory. In February 2026, NESREA shut a quarry in Abuja following a fatal blasting incident involving a 10-year-old boy, with officials stressing that the quarry had previously been sealed as part of enforcement efforts.

The pattern has underscored a central challenge for environmental regulation in Nigeria: balancing economic activities such as mining, quarrying, construction and manufacturing with the obligation to prevent pollution and protect communities.

The issue of environmental documentation is particularly important in the latest Nasarawa action.

An Environmental Impact Assessment is intended to identify and evaluate the potential environmental consequences of projects before or during their implementation and to provide a framework for mitigating harmful effects.

NESREA has repeatedly cited failure to conduct or obtain the necessary environmental assessments among violations that have led to facility closures. In an earlier enforcement operation, the agency sanctioned construction facilities for lacking required environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Audit Reports.

For quarrying operations, environmental controls also cover issues such as air pollution, noise pollution, spills and leaks, environmental management plans and emissions associated with quarry operations.

Against this background, the sealing of the four Nasarawa facilities signals that regulatory compliance is being treated as an operational requirement rather than an optional administrative formality.

NESREA reiterated its commitment to enforcing environmental laws and regulations across the country, warning facilities to adopt environmentally responsible practices and deploy the best available technology in their operations.

The agency said the enforcement exercise demonstrated its resolve to safeguard the environment, protect public health and promote sustainable development.

The latest action therefore sends a wider message to operators in Nigeria’s mining, quarrying, agricultural and industrial sectors: economic activity will not be allowed to override environmental obligations, particularly where pollution or regulatory violations could expose surrounding communities to health and environmental risks.

NESREA’s continuing enforcement drive also places renewed focus on the need for industries to obtain the necessary environmental approvals, maintain proper environmental management systems and ensure that their operations meet prescribed national standards before and during production.

NESREA Seals Four Nasarawa Facilities Over Pollution, EIA Violations

Borno LG boss warns residents against illegal tree felling

By Peter Uwumarogie

Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State, on Thursday launched its tree planting campaign, while distributing 150, 000 tree seedlings to residents.

The campaign is in collaboration with the State’s Ministry of Environment and the state’s Agency for the Great Green Wall.

Launching the campaign in Bila Kutiki community in Kwaya Kusar LGA, Engr Mohammed Habib, Borno Commissioner for Environment commended the council for the initiative which he said aligned with Gov. Babagana Zulum’s environment agenda.

Habib, represented by Mr Aliyu Yusuf, the Director of Forestry and Wildlife Services at the Ministry stated that Borno State faced serious environmental challenges such as desertification, deforestation, soil erosion, and the impact of climate change.

He said that it was in that regard that his ministry would continue to provide support and embrace partnership to ensure the success of the afforestation initiative of the state.

He urged the Kwaya Kusar community to maintain the trees, stressing that “planting is easy, but nurturing to maturity is what will give us the real impact.”

Hon. Dahiru Hamma, the chairman of Kwaya Kusar LGA said that the move to distribute the seedlings was a response to the activities of illegal tree felling and its impact on communities in the council.

Hamma said that the gesture would complement the state government’s efforts at combating climate change and protecting the environment for the future generations to inherit a greener and healthy environment.

“We are today launching and releasing 150,000 seedlings which comprises Casia plant, black current, Mahogany, Eucalyptus, Tamarine, Cashew, malena, mango, zaytoun, Bamboo tree, neem plant, amongst others,” he said.

The chairman appealed to residents to ensure adequate protection and sustainability of the trees, while warning against illegal tree felling in the council.

According to him, anyone caught engaging in illegal tree felling will be prosecuted in accordance with the laws of the state.

He commended Zulum and the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar-Mustapha II for their support and commitment to environmental restoration.

Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, the secretary of Biu Emirate Council who represented the emir, urged residents to ensure sustainability of the trees, stating that trees among others help serve as wind breakers to protect houses.

Borno LG boss warns residents against illegal tree felling

Book Launch: Governor Zulum Donates ₦100 million

By: Our Reporter

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has donated the sum of N100 million on behalf of the government of Borno State for the book “Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo 2018-2026 written by Dr. James Bwala, which chronicles his achievements as the Chief Medical Director of UMTH.

The governor also promised to deepen collaboration with the Federal Government and development partners to improve healthcare services in the state.

The Governor made the pledge on Tuesday during the opening of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN) 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Book Launch and Commissioning of projects at the UMTH in Maiduguri.

He said the event marked another milestone in the collective pursuit of stronger healthcare delivery, medical education, research and specialist services for the people of Borno State and the North-East.

Governor Zulum re-stated his administration’s commitment to continue supporting the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) within available resources, alongside other federal health institutions in the state.

“As a State Government, we will continue to support the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and other healthcare institutions within our capacity, while strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government and other partners,” Zulum stated.

The Governor noted that UMTH had remained steadfast in saving lives, training medical professionals and providing essential specialist services throughout the difficult years of insurgency and flooding in the state.

He commended the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the institution’s growth.

According to Zulum, the hospital has recorded notable progress in infrastructure development, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development under Professor Ahidjo’s leadership.

“You are not only managing a Teaching Hospital; you are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come,” the Governor said.

“Professor Ahidjo has demonstrated that effective leadership is about building strong institutions, developing people and leaving a lasting legacy. Under his leadership, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital has continued to make significant progress in infrastructure, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development.”

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the state, particularly in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening.

Governor Zulum also commended NEDC for its intervention in the hospital and other development institutions in the region.

He said the ARIN Conference, book launch and inaugural lecture underscored the importance of research, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development in addressing healthcare challenges.

Governor Zulum congratulated UMTH management and staff on the achievements. He expressed optimism that the newly commissioned projects would enhance the quality of healthcare services and further consolidate the hospital’s position as a centre of excellence.

The high point of the event was the commissioning of the Fertility Care Center and En-Suite Maternity Complex constructed by the North East Development Commission and the public presentation of the Book.

The event was attended by Borno State Deputy Governor, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur; Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator representing Borno South, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; members of House of Representives; Minister of Livestock Development, Hon. Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Minister of State for Regional Development, Hon. Uba Maigari Ahmodu; representative of the minister of Health and Social Welfare, Deputy Speaker Borno State House of Assembly and other members of the state assembly; Commissioners; traditional rulers; MD North East Development Commission and other dignitries.

Book Launch: Governor Zulum Donates ₦100 million