Abuja — The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) yesterday in Abuja held her 3rd National stakeholders forum on the New Institutional Mechanism for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development in Nigeria.

This year's forum is tagged, "Civil Society Gender in Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement" and the event was chaired by the Chairman Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology Mrs. Grace Folashade Grant. It has in attendance several NGOs drawn from the six geo-political zones of the country.

In her keynote Address, Mrs. Grant noted that globally civil society organisations have played a key role in the protection of the environment and in promotion of sustainable development, adding that as watchdog they have helped to alert governments and citizens of impending dangers and clandestine environmental crimes.

She recalled that the toxic waste dump at Koko in Edo State was first brought to the international headline news by the Green peace, adding that of recent the same Green Peace traced the dumping of e-waste from Britain to Alaba International Market in Lagos State.

She however chided those who hide under the guise of operating NGOs to indulge in sharp practices and unethical behaviours, saying the activities of these few people and groups have called to question the purpose of civil society organisations while urging the good ones to continue with the good work they are doing.

Mrs. Grant thanked NESREA for creating the opportunity for civil society organisations in Nigeria and to chart a new course in environmental governance.

Also speaking, House committee Chairman on Environment Duro Faseyi said that this year's forum is pertinent and could not have come at a better time.