The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has vowed to blacklist erring environmental consultants to protect the nation against environmental degradation. Director General of the agency, Dr. Ngeri Benebo gave the indication yesterday at a one-day workshop for NESREA accredited environmental consultants in Abuja.

Benebo urged consultants to adequately advice their clients on the implication of neglecting some standards in their course of operations.

“I must reiterate that we will not hesitate to blacklist any erring consultant who fails to live up to the expectations.

“We shall continue to build a critical mass of environmental consultants both for the green and brown environment so that they can work with the agency in the implementation of her mandate.

“The NESREA accredited consultants have a role to play in advising their clients properly on the environmental implications of their operations in relations to the provisions of these regulations.”

The DG said the agency would continue to accredit well qualified and competent environmental consultants whose operations would engender the legislation of more environmental regulations.

According to her, 24 national environmental regulations have been gazetted into law due to the purposeful conducts and contributions of our accredited environmental consultants.

Benebo also commended some industries in the country who have adopted good environmental practices.

“We applaud their efforts and we are appealing to those who are yet to do so to quickly embrace good environmental practices.

“To date, 24 national environmental regulations have been gazzeted into law.”
Mrs Ronke Soyombo, Director of Inspection and Enforcement of the agency urged consultants to ensure adequate environmental audit, adding that the environmental audit would determine the regulation of environmental operations.

Soyombo observed that a faulty environmental misinformation could place the agency in a difficult situation to make some informed decisions.

Mr James Ushi, Principal consultants Seamans Environment, one of the accredited consultants said the workshop would enable the regulation community to review those regulations that would address environmental problems. (NAN)