The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed off Cyvilian Garden, a popular relaxation spot on Abacha Road, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, for excessive noise pollution.

Speaking on Friday after the exercise, the director-general of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, said the measure followed complaints by residents and the refusal of the facility to abate its nuisance after a series of notifications.

“Complaints from residents were investigated, and noise readings were taken at different times, and they were too high for a residential area,” he said.

Mr Barikor, represented by Christopher Beka, director of inspection and enforcement in the agency, said due process was followed in shutting down the facility.

“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,” he said.

He stressed that noise pollution was a serious issue and the agency was tackling it headlong.

“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 said.

Mr Barikor restated the commitment of NESREA towards ensuring that Nigerians enjoy a high quality of life through effective environmental regulation and enforcement.

Mr Barikor called on Nigerians to act as environmental stewards by adhering to laws and reporting violations.

He promised that more enforcement exercises would be carried out across all states.

(NAN)