The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) on Friday sealed off Cyvillian Garden, a popular recreation centre in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, due to excessive noise pollution.
Briefing newsmen on the exercise, the Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor, who was represented by the Director of Inspection and Enforcement, Dr. Christopher Beka, said the sealing followed numerous complaints by residents and the refusal of the facility to abate its nuisance after series of notifications.
Barikor stated that several warnings to the management of the centre were unheeded which resulted in the shutdown.
“We took all necessary steps before getting to the point of sealing. Complaints from residents were investigated and noise readings were taken at different times and they were too high for a residential area. Abatement notices were subsequently issued to the facility as required by law.
“We also had an arbitration meeting where they were advised to operate within the standards set out in the National Environmental (Noise Standards and Control) Regulations, 2009.
“Noise pollution is a very serious issue and we are tackling it headlong because the health of citizens is affected.
“It is intolerable that one would return from a hectic day at work and be unable to sleep at night because of noise. You cannot run your business or create fun for yourself at the expense of others,” he added.
He restated the commitment of NESREA towards ensuring Nigerians enjoy a high quality of life through effective environmental regulation and enforcement, promising that more enforcement exercises would be carried out in all states of the federation.