The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has urged the Federal Government to strengthen the monetary, technical and operational capability of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to enhance enforcement in opposition to industrial air pollution.
The affiliation mentioned the company wanted well-equipped laboratories, trendy monitoring know-how, adequately funded discipline operations and stronger collaboration with state environmental authorities to sort out violations.
Speaking in Abuja, NANS National Secretary-General, Comrade Oladimeji Uthman, mentioned environmental laws needs to be enforced constantly, whatever the standing or affect of these concerned.
“Economic activities must not come at the expense of human lives, public health or environmental sustainability,” the affiliation mentioned.
NANS known as for stronger public schooling on waste administration, air pollution prevention, environmental compliance and biodiversity conservation, alongside improved monitoring of commercial actions.
It mentioned elevated funding and technical experience would allow NESREA to discharge its statutory duties extra successfully whereas sustaining its independence.
The affiliation additionally urged the company to publish clear stories on its enforcement actions and environmental outcomes, arguing that progress needs to be measured by compliance and demonstrable enhancements in environmental situations.
According to NANS, air pollution, unsafe waste disposal, industrial contamination and the degradation of pure sources threaten public well being, livelihoods, academic alternatives and the prospects of future generations.
It known as for higher engagement with college students, youth organisations, host communities, industries and different stakeholders to enhance environmental consciousness and encourage accountable practices.
The college students’ physique additionally expressed confidence within the management of NESREA Director-General, Professor Innocent Barikor, who assumed workplace in May 2024.
It mentioned initiatives beneath his management included the implementation of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the development of Extended Producer Responsibility programmes throughout related sectors.
However, NANS urged the company to deal with implementation gaps, strengthen public engagement and guarantee environmental laws have been utilized pretty throughout the nation.
The affiliation mentioned efficient environmental safety required greater than coverage bulletins, stressing the necessity for sustained monitoring, enforcement and accountability.
It added {that a} more healthy setting was important for safer campuses and sustainable communities, noting that younger individuals had a direct stake within the efficiency of establishments answerable for environmental safety.
NANS urged the Federal Government to deal with environmental safety as an funding in public well being, nationwide growth and environmental safety.
It maintained that stronger regulatory enforcement would assist defend communities uncovered to industrial hazards and promote accountable enterprise practices throughout the nation.
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