In a strategic move to deepen collaboration on environmental governance and accelerate Nigeria’s green economy transition, the Executive Director of the Africa Green Economy and Sustainability Institute (AGESI), Dr Eugene O. Itua, paid a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof Innocent Barikor, on the penultimate Thursday at NESREA Headquarters in Abuja.

The visit was part of AGESI’s ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts to align with key institutions on issues of environmental compliance, sustainability, and inclusive green growth.

During the meeting, both leaders explored opportunities for joint action to promote voluntary compliance, reduce regulatory friction, and empower businesses to meet environmental standards through innovation and support.

“This engagement marks a pivotal step toward redefining environmental governance in Nigeria,” said Itua. “By complementing enforcement with empowerment, NESREA can unlock new pathways for compliance, innovation, and sustainable development—anchored in the principles of a thriving green economy.”

Barikor confirmed his support for the partnership as this aligns with NESREA’s mandate and the green economy vision.

“We welcome this strategic engagement with AGESI as a timely and forward-looking initiative,” said the NESREA director-general.

He added, “Promoting voluntary compliance is not only consistent with our mandate. It is essential to build trust, reduce enforcement burdens, and enable sustainable growth. NESREA is committed to working with credible partners like AGESI to advance Nigeria’s environmental governance and accelerate our transition to a green economy.”

The visit, according to a statement by AGESI on Friday, underscored a shared vision between NESREA and AGESI to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Nigeria, where environmental compliance is not just enforced but enabled.

NESREA is Nigeria’s foremost environmental regulator, mandated to enforce environmental laws, promote biodiversity conservation, and coordinate stakeholder efforts toward sustainable development.