The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed off Cyvilian Garden, a popular relaxation spot located on Abacha Road in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, for noise pollution.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday after the exercise, the Director-General of NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, said that the measure followed complaints by residents and the refusal of the leisure spot management to comply with guidelines after notifications.
Barikor, who was represented by Dr Christopher Beka, Director, Inspection and Enforcement in the agency, said due process was followed in shutting down the facility.
“We took all necessary steps before getting to the point of sealing.
“Complaints from residents were investigated and noise readings were taken at different times, and they were too high for a residential area.
“Abatement notices were subsequently issued to the facility as required by law.
“We also had an arbitration meeting where they were advised to operate within the standards set out in the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009,” he said.
“Noise pollution is a very serious issue, and we are tackling it headlong because the health of citizens is affected.
“It is intolerable that one would return from a hectic day at work and unable to sleep at night because of noise.
“You cannot run your business or create fun for yourself at the expense of others,” he said.
Barikor restated the commitment of NESREA towards ensuring that Nigerians enjoy a high quality of life through effective environmental regulation and enforcement.
Barikor called on Nigerians to act as environmental stewards by adhering to environmental laws and reporting any violations.
He promised that more enforcement exercises would be carried out across all states of the federation.
By Doris Esa
