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NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System

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NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System

By: Michael Mike

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA and the Nigeria Police Force have sealed off Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited for contravening environmental law by discharging pollutants into public water system.

A statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of NESREA, Amaka Ejiofor said: “On Monday, 17th April, 2023 at about 12.30 pm, the combined team of officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA and Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Benue State Command Headquarters sealed off a facility belonging to Pure Bio-Tech Company Limited situated along Gboko Road, Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, for discharging untreated effluent into water bodies thereby endangering human lives and the environment, and also flouting extant environmental laws and standards.”

Ejiofor said the company, an ethanol production plant, which belongs to the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector, uses cassava as its raw material, noting that the production of ethanol using cassava is a wet process that requires the installation of a functional Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) which would ensure that waste from these processes is well treated before being discharged into the environment, insisting that the non-availability of the ETP is in clear violations of the provisions of the National Environmental (Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Soap and Detergent Manufacturing Industries) Regulations 2009 S.I No.36 and National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulations 2009 S.I No.28.

She disclosed that In March 2023 the Facility Consultant (NESREA Accredited) carried out an Environmental Compliance Monitoring (ECM), and the Report of the Effluent analyzed by the Consultant was submitted to the NESREA Field Office Makurdi on the 16th April, 2023. The Report revealed that most of the parameters analyzed from the Effluent were above NESREA Permissible level as provided under the National Environmental (Sanitation and Waste Control) Regulations 2009 S.I N0.28, adding that the facility had earlier been issued notices of compliance concerns to halt production until a functional ETP is fully installed but it failed to comply.

She said NESREA subsequently moved in to avoid further endangering of lives of residents who use water from the river for their basic household needs. This is in conformity with the provisions of the NESREA Act 2007 (as Amended), which allows the agency to carry out such enforcement activity in situations where it becomes expedient and necessary to halt an action posing imminent danger to human life, animal the environment.

She alleged that in addition to not having an ETP, the facility was also found to be operating without an Environmental Impact Statement, and did not complete the process of conducting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before commencement of its operation which contravenes the EIA Act CAP. E12 of LFN, 2004, also accusing the Facility for operating without relevant Environmental Permits contrary to the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing System) Regulations 2009 S.I N0.29.

She said the facility therefore remains sealed while investigations continue, stating that at the conclusion of investigations, the appropriate sanctions will be meted out on the company.

Meanwhile, the Director General of NESREA, Prof Aliyu Jauro has reminded facilities that compliance with laid down environmental laws is a must for any company operating in the country, warning that the agency is fully determined to ensure that non-compliant facilities are made to face the full wrath of the law.

NESREA Seals Off Ethanol Plant for Discharging Pollutants into Water System

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Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume

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Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume

By: Our Reporter

Former majority leader of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as special adviser on public communications and media.

Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, a position that places him as Bwala’s Senator, noted that Tinubu has demonstrated that he is a leader with large heart through Bwala’s appointment.

Bwala served as the spokesman of the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 President election campaigns.

“I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his special adviser to the President on public communication and media. This gesture deserves serious applause particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in recent past.

“Bwala’s appointment is a rare demonstration of large heartedness in leadership, a quality that is difficult to find in many leaders today,” Ndume stated.

Recall that Bwala is among the recent persons appointed by President Tinubu to serve in the prestigious position of special Adviser to the President on public communication and media.
Ndume advice Bwala to seek forgiveness from the Vice President Kashim Shettima whose appointment made him to leave APC because he is a Muslim and work with him closely to as your second Principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr President.
You should also learn from Sunday Dare and Ononuga who are long and loyal associates of Tinubu who always defend the policies of Mr President without being abusive and offensive.
You should also learn from the likes of Hadiza Bala and Nuhu Ribadu NSA who defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures.
Finally you should also link up with our people at the grassroots because charity begins from home.
Finally I wish you success in your new assignment.

Bwala’s appointment: Tinubu has large heart, says Ndume

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DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit

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DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit

By: Our Reporter

Amb. Usman Aliyu, the Director General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, is representing Nigeria at the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

His selection to join the Nigerian negotiation team highlights his exceptional contributions to climate action, following his distinguished performance during a UNFCCC-EU training in Abuja, which earned him sponsorship from the European Union.

Amb. Aliyu’s participation underscores the commitment of Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s administration to combating climate change and fostering sustainable development. His efforts focus on climate finance, large-scale reforestation, and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable communities, which are critical to addressing environmental challenges in Borno State and beyond.

“Representing Nigeria at COP29 is an opportunity to advocate for practical solutions to the pressing climate challenges facing our region,” said Amb. Usman Aliyu.

This involvement positions Borno State as a leader in integrating local initiatives with global climate goals, promoting long-term sustainability and resilience for its communities.

DG of Great Green Wall, Borno State, Participates in COP29 Summit

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EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”

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EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”

By: Our Reporter

The Environmental Management Association of Nigeria (EMAN) has conferred the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, with an Honorary Fellowship and Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental management and sustainable development.

The award was presented during EMAN’s 2024 Annual Conference and General Meeting held on Wednesday 13 November at Grand Cubana Hotel in Abuja.

Themed “Building Resilience Against Land Degradation and Climate Change in Nigeria,” the event drew prominent personalities, including the National Project Coordinator NEWMAP, Mr. Andy Ayuba Yalak; Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor and Professor Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja Aisha Sani Maikudi represented by the Dean School of Environment and representative of Chairman Senate Committee on Environment.

Governor Zulum’s recognition by EMAN marks the first time the association has presented this prestigious award to a Chief Executive.

The honor underscores Zulum’s commitment to effective environmental management, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

This is the fifth fellowship award conferred on the Governor in the past five years, following recognitions by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects, and the National Postgraduate Medical College.

Represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Honourable Umaru Bako, Governor Zulum highlighted key environmental achievements under his administration. These include:

Strengthening the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA) through increased funding.

Timely and effective management of recent flood disasters.

Establishing a Directorate of the Great Green Wall to combat desertification.

Full participation in the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program.

Ongoing infrastructure and human development initiatives aimed at fostering a climate-resilient society.

Expressing his gratitude, Governor Zulum stated, “I am extremely delighted with this honor and assure you of my administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and building a resilient future for our society.”

EMAN, as Nigeria’s leading professional body for environmental management, continues to recognize and encourage exemplary contributions towards environmental sustainability.

EMAN honours Zulum with distinguished award and honorary fellowship”

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