NANS Calls for Enhanced NESREA Capacity to Combat Pollution

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to bolster the financial, technical, and operational capabilities of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to enhance enforcement against industrial pollution. NANS emphasized the necessity for well-equipped laboratories, modern monitoring technology, and adequately funded field operations.

Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, NANS National Secretary-General, stated that environmental regulations must be enforced consistently, irrespective of the status of violators. The association also advocated for improved public education on waste management and pollution prevention.

NANS expressed confidence in NESREA Director-General Professor Innocent Barikor, who took office in May 2024, and highlighted initiatives like the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024. However, NANS urged NESREA to address implementation gaps and ensure fair application of environmental regulations.

The association stressed that effective environmental protection requires sustained monitoring and accountability, asserting that a healthier environment is crucial for safer campuses and sustainable communities.