Authorities of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency have sealed several facilities in Umuahia over alleged environmental violations. The affected businesses were accused of operating without completing the required Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and for disposing waste in ways that could harm the environment.

The enforcement followed a court order which empowered the agency to shut down facilities that failed to comply with environmental regulations. Some of the affected establishments include Pros P and Nova Heaven Apartment Hotels Amakama, Rich Vision Water, Confidence Hotels, Waveron Gas, Delatinos Event Centre and Hilltop Hotels and Bar.

Speaking on the development, the General Manager of Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Ogbonnaya Okereke, explained that many of the facilities were operating without the necessary environmental approval. He said the businesses also failed to submit Environmental Evaluation Reports as required by law.

Okereke warned that companies must obtain all environmental permits before starting operations. He added that improper waste disposal would not be tolerated. One of the sealed hospitality firms was also ordered to pay a fine of N2.5 million to the state government and an additional N50,000 penalty to the state judiciary account.