NESREA, NCC Close Ranks To Protect The Environment

Two major government agencies – the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) are to close ranks and work together to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development in the telecoms sector.

This development became apparent following a meeting between the two agencies on Wednesday March 2, 2016 at the NCC Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, when Dr Lawrence Anukam, Director-General of NESREA paid a courtesy call on Professor Umar Garuba the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC.

Dr Anukam, while acknowledging the growing telecoms industry in Nigeria affirmed that there was a need for both agencies to develop a synergy, work together and collaborate to achieve better results.

Though he expressed deep concern about the likely negative environmental and safety impacts of telecom operations if environmental impact assessments (EIAs) were not properly carried out before the siting of base stations, he explained that NESREA always follows due process before closing down any base station. He said that prior to the initiation of severe enforcement measures, telecoms operators were issued mandatory notices and warning letters for environmental compliance.

Professor Dambatta, responding, agreed with his views stating that his Commission was mandated to ensure the provision of quality services for all Nigerians.