By Folarin Kehinde

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) says it will enforce tougher forest laws in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), warning defaulters risk fines, closure and prosecution.

Director of Environmental Quality Control at the agency, Elijah Udofia, revealed that both the Sustainable Forest Management Policy and Implementation Plan, as well as the revised Forestry Act for the FCT, have been reviewed and are currently awaiting final gazette.

Udofia, who spoke in an interview with vanguard said the move represents a critical step toward reinforcing local environmental governance to complement existing federal regulations.

According to him, the updated frameworks are designed to provide a more structured and enforceable approach to forest conservation within the nation’s capital, where increasing development pressure has heightened the risk of deforestation.

He noted that while NESREA already enforces national environmental laws, including compliance mechanisms for land use and project approvals, the strengthening of local policies would enhance the agency’s ability to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems in the FCT.

“The review of the Sustainable Forest Management Policy and the Forestry Act is aimed at ensuring a more effective legal backing for forest protection. Once gazetted, these instruments will further empower enforcement and improve sustainable land management practices,” he said.

Udofia stressed that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to balance infrastructure development with environmental sustainability, particularly in Abuja, where expanding urban projects continue to encroach on green areas.

He noted that enforcement mechanisms include routine inspections, environmental compliance monitoring and sanctions against violators.

“Defaulters will face penalties ranging from fines to suspension of activities, facility closure and even prosecution, depending on the severity of the offence,” he stated.

Udofia warned that unchecked deforestation driven by urban expansion poses serious environmental risks, including biodiversity loss, erratic weather patterns, water scarcity, air pollution, soil erosion and increased flooding.

He further explained that forest loss weakens natural carbon sinks, reduces carbon sequestration and contributes to rising temperatures, while also exposing soil to erosion and accelerating land degradation.

He added that the agency would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that the new frameworks are effectively implemented once they come into force.

The NESREA official maintained that strengthening institutional and legal structures remains key to mitigating environmental degradation and preserving forest ecosystems critical to climate regulation and biodiversity.