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From Idu Jude, Abuja
As Nigeria gears up to receive the European Union’s vital 90,000km fibre optic network and initiatives aimed at enhancing digital literacy, the Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Dr. Innocent Barikor, has pledged to ensure that the environmental impact of the major infrastructure project is fully addressed in line with Nigeria’s existing laws.
Dr. Barikor made the commitment when he recently hosted a delegation from Consulting Management and Europe Ltd., who briefed him on the upcoming EU-funded project, titled “EU Support to Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.”
The project, set to commence in April 2025, promises to significantly enhance Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure, with an investment of over €150 million.
“The environmental implications of such a large-scale project will not be overlooked,” Dr. Barikor stated. “NESREA is committed to ensuring that all necessary environmental considerations are made in the deployment of this telecommunications infrastructure. We will ensure due diligence is conducted before any work begins and will also work on sensitizing citizens about the potential impacts of this project.”
The fibre optic network, which will span over 90,000 kilometers, is expected to transform Nigeria’s digital landscape and boost connectivity, especially in rural areas. However, Dr. Barikor emphasized that while the project holds great promise for the nation’s technological and economic growth, it must also adhere to environmental standards set by the agency.
Prof. M.T. Ladan, who led the European delegation, assured Dr. Barikor that the team was taking the necessary steps to guarantee full compliance with the country’s environmental regulations.
“We are committed to conducting the required Environmental Impact Assessment for the project,” Ladan confirmed. “This visit is part of our ongoing engagement and consultation with stakeholders, including NESREA, to ensure that all aspects of the project align with Nigeria’s environmental standards.”
The project, valued at over €150 million, will involve significant infrastructure development, with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s digital economy. However, with NESREA’s oversight and the European team’s proactive approach to environmental compliance, the fibre optic network promises to be a step forward in both Nigeria’s technological advancement and environmental stewardship.
