The Delta State Coordinator of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Enoch Anyankpele, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and environmental regulatory agencies to promote environmental awareness and ensure compliance with environmental laws in the state.
Mr. Anyankpele made the call when NESREA paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, at the NUJ Secretariat in Asaba on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, he explained that NESREA is a federal agency under the Federal Ministry of Environment charged with the responsibility of enforcing environmental laws, regulations, and international environmental agreements across the country.
He stated that the agency operates in all states of the federation through its various offices to ensure that environmental standards are properly implemented in different sectors of the economy.
According to him, NESREA has developed several regulations to guide activities that impact the environment, stressing that the agency is not only focused on enforcement but also on public education and sensitization.
Mr. Anyankpele said educating the public on environmental laws and regulations is necessary to ensure effective compliance and encourage responsible environmental practices.
He noted that the visit to the NUJ was aimed at partnering with journalists and media professionals to spread information on environmental protection, cleanliness, and the activities of the agency.
The state coordinator described journalists as critical stakeholders in public enlightenment, adding that the media plays an important role in creating awareness and promoting behavioural change among the people.
He also disclosed that NESREA remains open to receiving complaints from members of the public concerning environmental violations, including pollution, noise pollution, and other harmful activities by companies or individuals.
Mr. Anyankpele emphasized the need for an effective communication channel between the agency and the public, noting that such collaboration would improve monitoring and enforcement of environmental standards across the state.
He appealed to the NUJ to support the agency in sensitizing residents on the importance of protecting the environment, adding that the partnership was driven by a shared commitment to public service and environmental sustainability.
Responding, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, Comr. Churchill Oyowe, commended NESREA for its efforts in environmental protection and regulation.
He described environmental sustainability as essential to human survival, stressing that the environment must be protected for the benefit of both present and future generations.
Comr. Oyowe noted that humans are not the only occupants of the environment, adding that plants and animals also depend on it for survival and must be protected.
The NUJ chairman assured NESREA of the union’s readiness to collaborate with the agency in promoting environmental awareness and public enlightenment across Delta State.
He added that although information dissemination can be challenging due to financial constraints, journalists remain committed to public service and societal development.
Comr. Oyowe further stated that the media, beyond its watchdog role, also has the responsibility of supporting initiatives that contribute positively to society and sustainable development.
He expressed confidence that the partnership between NESREA and the NUJ would strengthen environmental advocacy and improve public compliance with environmental standards in the state.
The NUJ chairman thanked the agency for the visit and assured them of the union’s continued support in advancing environmental protection and public awareness in Delta State.
