NESREA scores self high on environmental regulation

Benebo who took charge of the agency eight years ago would vacate her seat this month.
Speaking at a media parley organised by the agency in Abuja, Benebo said the results from years of advocacy, partnerships and collaboration with state governors, the agency now has six zonal headquarters, 23 state field officers and has been able to develop 33 national environment regulations.
She said: “We have developed the Environmental Training Manual in collaboration with the Nigeria Police as part of our continuous stride in engaging all sections of the society.”
According to her, the agency has been able to develop federal/ state regulatory dialogue as a successive initiative in promoting an inclusive and effective compliance and enforcement programme.
She said in the area of environmental compliance, monitoring and enforcement, the agency has initiated the annual stakeholders forum to ensure stakeholders participation and engagement in environmental governance.
“Our achievements are too numerous” she said, “including the lifting of six-year ban by the secretariat of the Convention Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), the prevention of the use of borders as dumping grounds for hazardous products, the regulation of the telecom, manufacturing and industrial sectors and the ban on importation of 2-stroke engine.”
Benebo commended the efforts of the media in helping to create awareness for the numerous environmental enforcement programmes and activities. “If NESREA is a brand name today, and is known in the grassroots, it is because of your contributions,” she said.
According to her, the media is her biggest stakeholder and has helped in the fight to have a better environment for everyone and the generations to come to live in.