Academic honor recognizes environmental regulator’s contributions to sustainability
PORT HARCOURT — The University of Port Harcourt has elevated Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), to the rank of Professor of Political Economy and Development Studies. The promotion was approved during the institution’s 187th Governing Council meeting chaired by Pro-Chancellor Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Onwunari Georgewill announcing Barikor among 46 academic staff receiving promotions.
Since assuming office at NESREA in May 2023, Barikor has implemented Extended Producer Responsibility programs across multiple industries, developed critical environmental regulations including battery control and plastic waste management frameworks, and conducted 1,671 compliance inspections leading to 96 facility shutdowns. His leadership has seen the establishment of decentralized state offices to strengthen environmental governance and secured international partnerships with the UK, EU, UN agencies, and various governments to upgrade Nigeria’s environmental research infrastructure.
Recent achievements under Barikor’s watch include the launch of the National Industrial Decarbonisation Programme in March 2024, hosting of a continental conference on responsible battery recycling, and pending gazetting of Plastic Waste Control Regulations. The professor-designate has also overseen the equipping of Port Harcourt’s National Reference Laboratory with cutting-edge equipment and solar power systems through international collaborations.
