The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said yesterday that it has effectively stemmed the importation of toxic waste in to Nigeria.
The agency’s Director-General; Dr Ngeri Benebo said specifically that NESREA had returned several vessels of toxic waste back to their countries of origin through an effective networking.
The director-general said, “NESREA has been able to effectively checkmate the importation of toxic waste into the country, saving Nigerians from contacting diseases that will emanate from such wastes.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) said yesterday that it has effectively stemmed the importation of toxic waste in to Nigeria.
The agency’s Director-General; Dr Ngeri Benebo said specifically that NESREA had returned several vessels of toxic waste back to their countries of origin through an effective networking.
The director-general said, “NESREA has been able to effectively checkmate the importation of toxic waste into the country, saving Nigerians from contacting diseases that will emanate from such wastes.
“Through our effective networking and enforcement activities, the agency has succeeded in putting a stop to e-waste importation.
“No fewer than 10 toxic waste vessels have been returned to their ports of origin and some were even charged to court.
“Before now, Nigeria was considered a safe haven for importers of e-waste and the country was one big e-waste dump if you recall the Koko toxic waste episode.
“If these e-wastes are not brought into Nigeria, then the country is saved from diseases like cancer, asthma and kidney failure, among others.’’
The agency also issued a stern warning to importers of toxic wastes to stop regarding Nigeria as a dumping ground for toxic equipment.
The agency’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sule Oyofo who stated this in Abuja on Wednesday affirmed that Nigerian “ports are no longer dumping ground for wastes.’’
Oyofo said that NESREA had successfully checkmated the importation of hazardous wastes into the country.
He cited a recent case where a foreign vessel M.V. Marivia was held for violating the law and was eventually released upon the payment of US$500,000 bail bond.
Oyofo also recalled how the agency in 2012 seized some containers, with e-waste products belonging to Grimadi Shipping Agency Limited in Alaba International Market, Lagos.
He said that the agency also prosecuted the Grimadi shipping agency for importing harmful electrical and electronic products, classified under Special Criminal Provisions Act.
According to him,“due to the agency’s relentless insistence, our Nigerian Ports are no longer a dumping ground for toxic wastes.“This tells Nigerians that our environmental laws are effective and the agency has achieved a lot.
“No one should be deceived that the mandate given to NESREA to enforce all environmental laws has not been achieved,’’ he said.
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