The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) says it has shut down Cornerstone, a facility managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse, Abuja.

Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s assistant director of press, said the facility was closed on Wednesday after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff members and students of Graceland High School and damaged school property.

Ejiofor said students were writing exams around 12:30 pm when a loud bang sent rocks flying, destroying school buildings.

She said 11 students and two staff members were injured, with nearby shops also affected.

Glory Uboh, NESREA’s deputy director of conservation monitoring, said the closure was necessary, noting that the quarry violated the national environmental (quarrying and blasting operations) regulations 2013.

“What happened is life-threatening; that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility,” NAN quoted Uboh as saying.

“Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradictions to quarry operating procedures and regulations.

“We will continue our investigations, and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the national environmental (quarry and blasting operations) regulations 2013.”

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In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, said the enforcement action was taken against facilities in multiple sectors that failed to comply with Nigeria’s environmental laws.

Violations included failure to conduct mandatory Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), neglecting environmental audits, and operating without functional effluent treatment systems posing serious risks to public health and the environment.

Among the sealed facilities were Rugal Pharmaceutical and China Communications Construction Company in Enugu; China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) in Bayelsa; and Multi Plan Nigeria Ltd in Rivers State, among others.

NESREA Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring environmental compliance nationwide. “This action sends a strong message to all operators noncompliance will not be tolerated,” he said.

Barikor urged facility owners to align with national environmental regulations, warning that the agency will continue to clamp down on violators to protect lives and ecosystems.

Earlier in May, NESREA carried out a similar operation in the Federal Capital Territory, sealing 21 noncompliant facilities.

The agency says it remains resolute in enforcing environmental standards to ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment across Nigeria.

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The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) took decisive action, locking down multiple locations in the Federal Capital Territory after repeated attempts to get the affected organizations to adhere to environmental safeguards.

Speaking during a field inspection, NESREA’s head, Professor Innocent Barikor, said the intervention was long overdue. “This isn’t about punitive measures, it’s about enforcing environmental responsibility and preserving our ecosystems for future generations,” he said.

Among the issues flagged were the absence of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) and unauthorized developments on flood-prone and ecologically sensitive zones.

These violations, NESREA said, are especially rampant in the booming real estate sector, which continues to expand with little regard for regulatory frameworks.

The closures were a response to growing public outcry over unregulated construction and aggressive excavation that have been linked to rising cases of flooding, erosion, and land degradation across the capital.

Notable names on the shutdown list include:
White Avenue Real Estate, Ochacho Real Homes, Mab Global Estate, CCECC-FIRS, Belmont Court, Tayyib Homes, Anarock Global Services, and others.

Also affected were quarry operators accused of exceeding legal excavation limits. According to Elijah Udofia, NESREA’s Director of Environmental Quality Control, some had dug up to 25 metres deep, well beyond the legal limit of three metres thereby endangering surrounding communities and landscapes.

Udofia stressed that prior to enforcement, NESREA had sent notices and provided ample time for the companies to regularize their operations. Most, however, failed to respond.

The agency reiterated its resolve to uphold environmental standards and warned that similar actions will continue wherever compliance is ignored.

“Environmental negligence is not just a bureaucratic issue, it’s a threat to life, property, and the long-term sustainability of our urban spaces,” Barikor noted.

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Regulations aim to improve air quality, conserve the environment, and reduce exposure to hazardous waste and toxic substances.

Barikor stressed the critical role of implementing these regulations for maintaining a healthy, sustainable, and clean environment.

Upcoming Regulations and Initiatives in the Plastic and Electronic Sectors

NESREA plans to implement two regulatory instruments in the plastic sector after official gazetting and publication processes conclude.

Additionally, a regional project focuses on reducing Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from the electronic sector’s importation and release.

These initiatives highlight NESREA’s broader strategy to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable industrial practices nationwide.

Federal Ban on Single-Use Plastics

The Federal Government has imposed a nationwide ban on Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) in all federal ministries and agencies.

This decision aims to tackle plastic pollution, which poses severe environmental threats, especially in urban and coastal communities.

Barikor confirmed that NESREA would oversee compliance with this directive, ensuring proper enforcement across government institutions nationwide.

The agency believes this ban represents a crucial step toward achieving long-term environmental sustainability and plastic-free environments.

Wildlife Conservation and Anti-Trafficking Efforts

NESREA, in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, confiscated ivory, pangolin scales, and other trafficked animal products.

Barikor emphasized that plants and animals play a crucial role in the ecosystem, making conservation efforts essential.

“We work closely with CITES National Focal Point and partners to combat illegal wildlife trade in Nigeria,” Barikor stated.

These efforts underscore NESREA’s unwavering commitment to protecting biodiversity and preserving Nigeria’s unique natural heritage.

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