The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed off ‘Civilian Garden’, a popular relaxation spot located on Abacha Road, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, over “excessive noise” from the joint.
A statement issued by the Assistant Director, media and publicity, Amaka Ejiofor, indicated that the Director General of the agency Dr. Innocent Barikor, who was represented by Director, Inspection and Enforcement, Dr. Christopher Beka, said the action followed numerous complaints by residents and the refusal of the facility to abate its nuisance after a series of notifications.
“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,” the statement quoted Barikor as explaining.
“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 be unable to sleep at night because of noise. You cannot run your business or create fun for yourself at the expense of others,” he added.
Meanwhile, the NESREA DG has restated the commitment of the agency to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy a high quality of life through effective environmental regulation and enforcement, promising that more enforcement exercises would be carried out in all the States of the federation.
