To protect the environment and make sure companies follow environmental rules, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) shut down 14 facilities in Abuja on Wednesday. These businesses broke environmental laws.
Before shutting the facilities, NESREA carried out full inspections of many businesses. They checked if the companies followed environmental laws. Many were found breaking the rules, such as not having the right environmental documents or working in ways that could harm people or property.
After the inspections, NESREA’s Director-General, Professor Innocent Barikor, told reporters that the agency sent out three warning letters to the companies that broke the rules. These letters explained what they did wrong and gave steps to fix the issues.
The companies were given time to correct their mistakes, but 14 of them did nothing. So, NESREA decided to shut them down to protect the environment for both today’s people and future generations.
The 14 shut-down facilities include Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited (Airport Road), Ibiza Nite Club and De Hive Night Club (Area 11), Shaanxi Construction, Brmley Home, Clover Court, Skyscape Real Estate, and Richardo Estate. All are located in different areas of Abuja.
Other closed businesses are H-Medix Building (Wuye), Stepcho Nigeria Limited, Bima Shelter (Asokoro), Bilami Nig. Enterprise (Kado), Ifedi Homes Estate (Kukwaba), and Java Design Concept Nigeria (Wuse II).
According to Reporters, these enforcement actions were based on three sets of environmental laws: rules about quarrying and blasting (2013), construction rules (2011), and noise control rules (2009).
Professor Barikor said that Dai Jin Jia Investment Limited was shut down for illegal quarrying. Residents of ACO Estate had complained on July 19, 2025, about frequent and dangerous blasting, especially one that happened on July 17, 2025.
The company used too much explosive (4,000kg), which is more than the allowed 3,000kg. The blasting holes were also deeper than allowed, and the pit itself was 17 meters deep instead of the legal 3 meters. This caused noise, flying rocks, ground shaking, and air pollution, which the residents protested against. The company was closed to keep people and the environment safe.
Residents also complained about loud noise from Ibiza and De Hive nightclubs. NESREA checked these clubs to see if they followed noise control laws.
NESREA found both nightclubs were too loud and gave them warning letters asking them to reduce the noise. They ignored the warnings, so NESREA sealed the clubs to protect residents and enforce the law.
Professor Barikor explained that shutting down businesses isn’t to punish them, but to help them follow the rules. He said businesses shouldn’t unseal their buildings on their own, as that is a serious offense.
He said NESREA wants to help businesses understand the rules better. That’s why they hold training for business leaders, so they know what environmental rules apply to them.
In the end, he reminded everyone that following the rules is cheaper and better than breaking them.
Barikor also said NESREA is fully committed to making sure environmental laws are followed and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources.
He called on businesses in the quarrying, construction, and entertainment sectors to follow the law, use eco-friendly practices, and reduce harm to the environment.
NESREA’s Director of Environmental Quality Control, Elijah Udofia, added that some construction companies were closed because they didn’t do an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is legally required before starting a project.
He said some construction sites started work without the needed EIA documents. NESREA asked for proof, but the companies couldn’t provide it. That’s why they were shut down.
He also explained that quarry sites were closed after residents complained about the blasts, and NESREA confirmed they broke the rules. Nightclubs were shut down because they caused noise pollution and ignored earlier warnings to reduce it.
