by crossriverwatch admin
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, has sealed 6 firms and arrested 2 persons in Cross River state for violating environmental laws and regulations.
Mr. Ralph Nnam, the Coordinator of the agency in the state disclosed this on Thursday when a Non-governmental organization, Friends of Environment and Technology organization visited his office.
According to him NESREA has the mandate to enforce all environmental laws, standards and regulations in the country and had to seal the firms comprising of stone quarries and construction companies in the state for failing to provide environmental impact assessment statement.
Mr Nnam stated that for a company to start operations without carrying out environmental impact assessment, the environment could be affected by such operations. “If a construction or mining company starts operations without carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment, NESREA will ensure that the company pays a fine and also carry out the impact assessment of its operations on the environment where it is operating”.
The NESREA state coordinator also disclosed that the two persons were arrested for breaking the seal placed on their companies, adding that after investigation is concluded, they will be charged to court.
“Some that were sealed have been unsealed because they have paid the violation fee of N1.1million. Two persons were arrested in January for breaking the seal placed on their companies by NESREA and after investigation they will be prosecuted in court,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Non-governmental organization (NGO), friends of environment and technology organization, Engr. David Missang Alobi said his organization is exploring possible ways of partnering with NESREA to achieve the overall goal of protecting the environment.
Alobi stated that the NGO is also poised to promote environmental friendliness, fresh interest in technology and creative innovations in technological development.
He also disclosed plans by the NGO to carry out a Non-formal environmental education in schools and communities as well as monitoring and evaluation of projects and programs.
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