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ABUJA (NAN) - The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has urged Nigerians to promptly report any environmental violations to the agency.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of NESREA, expressed this during an interview with Journalist on Sunday in Abuja. Barikor was represented by Mr. Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control (EQC) at NESREA.
The director-general also encouraged Nigerians to adhere to the environmental laws and regulations in the country, emphasizing that the agency will take necessary action against individuals or facilities that breach these laws.
Barikor noted that the agency had received various complaints regarding noise pollution, primarily from religious organizations (Churches and Mosques), nightclubs, social gardens, power generators, and musical shops within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other states. “These complaints were investigated and resolved,” he stated.
He further explained that the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009 stipulates the maximum permissible noise levels an individual or activity can produce.
“Regulation 5(1) states that no person shall emit or allow the emission of noise that disturbs the receptor or the neighborhood for more than two minutes or during prohibited hours in residential areas or Noise Control Zones, as determined by the agency in consultation with state and local governments,” he said.
Barikor added that regulations 5(1) and (2)(a) address noise pollution from power bikes at night and other sources, such as places of worship, marketplaces, and public address systems.
He indicated that facilities found in violation had been sanctioned according to the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009 after multiple notifications to reduce noise pollution. To effectively fulfill its mandate, the agency is enforcing the provisions of 35 National Environmental Regulations covering various environmental issues.
“NESREA focuses its regulatory efforts on individuals or organizations whose activities threaten the environment. Among these regulations, one specifically aimed at controlling noise pollution is the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations 2009,” he remarked.
The aims of these regulations are to ensure that citizens have access to a quiet environment, as they set noise limits for different locations at various times. The regulations also encourage individuals to report noise pollution issues to the agency for quick intervention and resolution.
Barikor mentioned that NESREA is actively working on sensitizing the public about the provisions of the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009. Awareness campaigns regarding noise pollution are conducted through print and broadcast media, social media, posters, flyers, and stickers.
“The agency consistently undertakes weekly sensitization exercises in all states where NESREA operates, including the FCT. The objectives of these activities are to inform the public about the agency's mandate concerning noise, sanitation, waste control, and other environmental concerns. NESREA also educates the public on the agency's vision for fostering a cleaner and healthier environment.”
He further indicated that the agency is currently planning enforcement actions against certain facilities in Abuja and Nasarawa State for breaching the regulations.
“Recently, Cyvillian Garden, a popular recreational venue in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, was shut down by NESREA due to noise pollution complaints from residents,” he said.
Barikor reaffirmed the agency's commitment to ensuring a healthier environment for all Nigerians. Additionally, environmental consultant Mr. Lanre Eyinfunjowo highlighted to NAN that noise pollution is a significant issue that requires attention in Nigeria's environmental sector. Eyinfunjowo, who is the President of the Association of Accredited Environmental Consultants of Nigeria, noted that many people do not recognize noise as a form of pollution.
“Noise is often overlooked as a pollution problem. It has profound environmental impacts because many are unaware that noise can cause stress, fatigue, hearing loss, and even brain damage.
It can also affect eyesight, which is not widely recognized,” he explained.
He urged NESREA and other relevant agencies to continue combating noise pollution through public advocacy and increasing awareness among Nigerians about its environmental effects.
