The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has inducted 108 environmental experts to help address the various ecological challenges bedevilling growth in Nigeria.
The newly accredited environmental consultants will help the agency identify, assess, and mitigate all environmental impacts. They will also collaborate with the regulatory authority to ensure compliance with environmental laws.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, NESREA’s Director General, who inaugurated the group on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Abuja, tasked them to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and ethics in carrying out their duties.
According to him, their entrance is a strong reminder to be vigilant and aggressive in dealing with challenges that endanger the nation’s ecosystem. It also provides a chance for them to collaborate with NESREA and other stakeholders to foster an environmentally responsible and sustainable culture.
This is important, he went on to explain, because their work will contribute to the safeguarding of the country’s natural resources, protect public health, and promote sustainable development.
“You will be our eyes and ears on the ground, helping us to monitor, evaluate, and improve our environmental practices across various sectors,” he said, because “your efforts will help preserve the country’s natural resources, protect public health, and promote sustainable development.”
NESREA, in partnership with the European Union (EU) in Nigeria, organised the programme to strengthen the capacity to achieve the aforementioned goals.
Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, the EU’s Programme Officer, gave the assurance that the EU would keep collaborating with the regulatory body to advance long-term progress throughout Nigeria.
Ogbemudia, who joined the ceremony virtually, stated that this support would be provided in the form of technical assistance to improve national growth.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja
