Federal government approves 700 consultants for environmental audits

In an attempt to champion Nigeria’s environmental conservation, over 700 consultants have been accredited for environmental audits and reviews of establishments’ compliance with environmental laws and standards in Nigeria.

Officially, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), one of the government’s major agencies, has declared this. According to a recent report titled “NESREA and Environmental Protection in Nigeria: The Journey So Far,’” these consultants are responsible for helping different firms deal with environmental issues.

Since 2009, NESREA has accredited more than 700 consultants, although only 320 are still active. These individuals play an important role in ensuring environmental compliance by collecting information, conducting facility and environmental audits, advising clients, recommending action plans, and preparing Environmental Audits (EAs) for NESREA’s approval.

NESREA emphasizes the importance of following its guidelines for accredited consultants. Refreshers are conducted through quarterly seminars to ensure these consultants understand the new environmental standards.

NESREA’s actions include sealing the premises of organizations that violate environmental laws. For instance, in March 2024, the agency closed 13 facilities in the Federal Capital Territory for noncompliance with environmental audits. Some of these facilities include Veritas Plastics, Almat Farms, Dayak Nigeria Limited, FIK Contracting Limited, Salis Ventilated Homes Ltd, and Peachville Estate.

The agency has recently published a report highlighting the key concerns of environmental audits, particularly the evaluation of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) adopted by industries and facilities such as banks. In addressing e-waste, NESREA collaborates with other ministries, departments, and agencies to monitor and grant clearance for imported used electrical and electronic equipment in Nigeria.

Since 2022, NESREA has ensured enforcement in 115 facilities. A Better Tomorrow was actualized by registering electrical and electronics, batteries, food, beverages, and plastics.

For instance, during the recent induction of a hundred newly accredited environmental consultants in Abuja, the Director General of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, emphasized the significant role of these experts in promoting environmental conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria. Consequently, it is evident that progress in Nigerian society requires professionals in environmental consultancy.

“Bringing a cleaner environment for all the citizens of Nigeria is what NESREA is all about. We cannot allow any Secretary to enforce environmental laws and regulations which require talented and skilled personnel like you,” Barikor said to the inductees.

He continued, “Your job description involves reviewing, evaluating, and analyzing the impact of environmental factors and adhering to the existing legal requirements governing the environment. As members of newly accredited consultancy firms, you will become part of a large network dedicated to environmental conservation. You will act as our watchdogs on the ground, monitoring, assessing, and recommending improvements on our organization’s environmental activities in different sectors.”

It must be noted that this initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s strategic agenda toward improving the standards of environmental conservation and sustainable development in Nigeria.