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National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Enoch Anyankpele, has called for stronger collaboration with media stakeholders to deepen environmental awareness and improve compliance with environmental laws across the state.
Delta State Coordinator of the agency, Mr Enoch Anyankpele, stated this in Asaba when he led his team on an advocacy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council.
Mr. Anyankpele described journalists as critical partners in promoting environmental responsibility and driving behavioural change among the public.
He explained that NESREA, an agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment, is responsible for enforcing environmental laws, regulations, and international environmental agreements in Nigeria through its offices across the federation.
According to him, the agency has developed several regulations guiding activities and industries that impact the environment, stressing that public enlightenment remains a major part of its mandate alongside enforcement.
Mr. Anyankpele noted that effective enforcement can only be achieved when citizens are adequately informed about environmental standards and their responsibilities.
He said the visit to the NUJ was aimed at seeking a partnership with the media in sensitizing residents on environmental cleanliness, pollution control, and compliance with environmental regulations.
The NESREA coordinator disclosed that the agency often operates with limited budgetary provisions at the state level, making collaboration with stakeholders and public education essential in achieving its objectives.
He, however, assured members of the public that the agency remains open to receiving complaints on environmental violations, including pollution, excessive noise, and other infractions by individuals or companies.
Mr. Anyankpele emphasized the need for a strong communication channel between NESREA and the public to enhance monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards across the state.
He appealed to the NUJ to support the agency in spreading environmental messages, insisting that the partnership was driven by a shared commitment to public service and environmental protection rather than financial considerations.
Expressing optimism about the proposed collaboration, he said stronger synergy between NESREA and the media would help tackle environmental challenges and make Delta State cleaner, safer, and more sustainable.
Responding, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, assured the agency of the union’s readiness to partner with NESREA in promoting sustainable development and environmental protection.
Oyowe, who was accompanied by State Treasurer Caroline Ubini, Auditor Celestine Afokoba, and Ex-Officio Christian Eze, described environmental protection as critical to human survival and sustainable development.
He noted that the environment sustains both humans and other living organisms, stressing that failure to protect it would have grave consequences for society.
The NUJ Chairman commended NESREA for its efforts in environmental regulation and pollution control, describing the agency’s role as vital to safeguarding public health and the ecosystem.
He also acknowledged the financial challenges associated with information dissemination but maintained that journalists remain committed to public service and civic responsibility.
According to him, while the media serves as a watchdog in holding governments and agencies accountable, it also has a duty to support initiatives that promote societal good.
Comrade Oyowe expressed confidence that the partnership between the NUJ and NESREA would strengthen public enlightenment campaigns and improve environmental compliance across Delta State.
The NESREA delegation included Mr. Benedict Osisi, Head of Environmental Conservation; Ms. Odeyoma E. Lucia, Head of IPA; and Mr. Innocent Nwaeseni, Head of Accounts/ICT.
