NANS Urges FG To Strengthen NESREA’s Pollution Enforcement

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the financial, technical and operational capacity of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to improve enforcement against industrial pollution.

The association said the agency needed well-equipped laboratories, modern monitoring technology, adequately funded field operations and stronger collaboration with state environmental authorities to tackle violations.

Speaking in Abuja, NANS National Secretary-General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, said environmental regulations should be enforced consistently, regardless of the status or influence of those involved.

“Economic activities must not come at the expense of human lives, public health or environmental sustainability,” the association said.

NANS called for stronger public education on waste management, pollution prevention, environmental compliance and biodiversity conservation, alongside improved monitoring of industrial activities.

It said increased funding and technical expertise would enable NESREA to discharge its statutory responsibilities more effectively while maintaining its independence.

The association also urged the agency to publish transparent reports on its enforcement activities and environmental outcomes, arguing that progress should be measured by compliance and demonstrable improvements in environmental conditions.

According to NANS, pollution, unsafe waste disposal, industrial contamination and the degradation of natural resources threaten public health, livelihoods, educational opportunities and the prospects of future generations.

It called for greater engagement with students, youth organisations, host communities, industries and other stakeholders to improve environmental awareness and encourage responsible practices.

The students’ body also expressed confidence in the leadership of NESREA Director-General, Professor Innocent Barikor, who assumed office in May 2024.

It said initiatives under his leadership included the implementation of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the advancement of Extended Producer Responsibility programmes across relevant sectors.

However, NANS urged the agency to address implementation gaps, strengthen public engagement and ensure environmental regulations were applied fairly across the country.

The association said effective environmental protection required more than policy announcements, stressing the need for sustained monitoring, enforcement and accountability.

It added that a healthier environment was essential for safer campuses and sustainable communities, noting that young people had a direct stake in the performance of institutions responsible for environmental protection.

NANS urged the Federal Government to treat environmental protection as an investment in public health, national development and environmental security.

It maintained that stronger regulatory enforcement would help protect communities exposed to industrial hazards and promote responsible business practices across the country.