Assessment of Compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment Requirements in Construction Projects in Abuja, FCT

This study assesses the compliance of ongoing construction projects in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, with environmental impact assessment requirements under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act and NESREA regulations. Construction is one of the most significant sources of dust, noise, and land disturbance impacts in Nigerian cities, and the EIA process is intended to ensure these impacts are identified and mitigated before projects commence. A compliance audit was conducted at fifteen active construction sites across Abuja Municipal Area Council and Gwagwalada Area Council, comprising six residential estate developments, five commercial buildings, and four road construction projects. The audit assessed whether an approved EIA or environmental and social management plan was obtainable for each project, whether environmental management measures specified in approval documents were being implemented, and whether NESREA monitoring visits had occurred. Field observations documented dust suppression, noise control, waste management, and perimeter security practices. Results show that only seven of fifteen assessed projects possess EIA documentation appropriate to their scale, with the remaining eight classified as non-compliant based on site scale and proximity to sensitive receptors. Of the seven documented projects, implementation of specified environmental management measures is rated satisfactory at only three. NESREA site monitoring is confirmed for four of fifteen projects. Dust control and construction waste management are the most consistently deficient practice areas. The study concludes that EIA compliance enforcement in Abuja's construction sector is systematically inadequate. Recommendations include mandatory NESREA pre-commencement site registration and increased inspection frequency. Keywords: environmental impact assessment, construction compliance, Abuja, NESREA, environmental management.