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From Idu Jude, Abuja
As the National Environmental Standards and Regulation (NESREA) finalizes the review of National environmental policies for the government gazette, the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) has advised the agency to involve all stakeholders with reference to international standards.
Country representative to UNEP Andrea Curcia advised while speaking virtually during a validatory workshop for the review of National environmental policies held in Abuja on Monday.
Andrea Curcia reminded the agency that for the government to have a good gazette, it must have contributions from both civil society organizations (CSOs) and private and Government agency stakeholders as a unified opinion.
While itemizing critical areas of concern, she said that proper records of environmental impact assessments are important in any given area to include the concerns of the people.
She also advised that the country must take into consideration the opinion of host communities and be captured before the final gazette. Also in her consideration, is adequate compensation to the affected individuals and communities to avoid disagreement that may hamper the progress of the policy.
Earlier in his speech, the Director General NESREA, Dr Innocent Barikor, remarked that the validation workshop for the review of the National Environmental Permitting and Licensing Systems Regulations 2009 marks a significant step in the collective journey towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible Nigeria.
Dr Barikor said, “Our vision is to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all Nigerians, while our mission is to inspire personal and collective responsibility in building an environmentally conscious society for the achievement of sustainable development in Nigeria.
He observed that the review of the National Environmental Permitting and Licensing Systems Regulations 2009 has been a cornerstone in the Agency’s efforts, providing a framework for regulating activities that adversely impact our environment. “As we approach the final stages of this review process, your insights and contributions have been invaluable. This workshop serves as the critical platform for validating the revised regulations before submitting to the Ministry of Justice for gazetting.”
In view of the aforementioned, Dr Barikor said that there is the need for collaboration of diverse stakeholders, including the regulated sector and other sector players whose businesses have a bearing on the environment, is crucial and cannot be over-emphasized. “Your expertise and feedback have helped in refining and enhancing these revised regulations, ensuring they are both effective and practical.
We are at a pivotal moment. The outcome of this workshop will shape the regulatory landscape and, by extension, our nation’s environmental future. I encourage all participants, especially those from the Federal Ministry of Justice, to engage actively in seeing to the finalization of these robust and transparent regulations, he said.
