Our Mission & Mandate
The Technical Services Network operates as the scientific, analytical, and field enforcement division of the National Environment Agency. TSN regulates corporate environmental discharges, manages chemical imports, conducts baseline soil and water testing at our dedicated laboratory, and runs critical ozone depletion prevention initiatives across all administrative regions of The Gambia.
Key Institutional Mandates:
- Implement the statutory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) clearance procedure.
- Test and monitor environmental quality indicators for inland waters, soils, and ambient air.
- Control and register the importation, distribution, and warehouse storage of chemical pesticides.
- Coordinate the national phase-out of ozone-depleting substances in compliance with international treaties.
Mr. Omar Sey
Director, Technical Services Network
Mr. Omar Sey is the Director of Technical Services Network at the National Environment Agency, where he provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for the Agency’s core environmental programmes under the Technical Services Network. These include Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Environmental Quality, Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides, the Ozone Programme, Environmental Emergency Response, Environmental Legislation and Policy, and the Inspectorate Unit. With over 20 years of experience in the public service, the Director has expertise in environmental management, regulatory compliance, and policy implementation. Mr. Sey holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Natural Resources and Environmental Management. As Director of the Technical Services Network, he contributes to the design and implementation of environmental regulations and environmental projects, working with national and international partners to promote sustainable development and strengthen environmental governance.
We enforce national environmental quality guidelines through empirical laboratory findings and cross-sector field inspections.
Core Operational Units
Exploring the specific technical departments and coordinating agencies under the TSN network.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Program
Administers the review and auditing of Class A and Class B developmental project proposals. Coordinates the cross-sector EIA Working Group to inspect project sites, evaluate mitigation plans, and issue official environmental clearance certificates under NEMA regulations.
Environmental Quality Program
Performs scientific soil, agricultural residue, and water testing based at the Kanifing lab facility. Tracks urban air quality indicators and tests industrial waste discharges to safeguard community health and natural habitats.
Hazardous Chemicals & Pesticides Program
Enforces the Pesticides Control and Management Act by regulating commercial chemical importers. Manages the official national chemical register and operates joint inspections at main border posts such as Giboro and Amdallai.
Ozone Programme
Oversees the national phase-out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under the Montreal Protocol. Conducts technical refrigeration training at the Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI) and monitors industrial gas imports.
Environmental Policy and Legislation
Maintains geographic databases to map coastal erosion rates, monitor land classification changes, and locate unauthorized waste dumping sites across major municipal networks.
Inspectorate & Field Enforcement Unit
Coordinates the deployment of field inspectors across all administrative regions to enforce compliance with national environmental regulations. Conducts regular inspections of industrial facilities, waste management sites, and agricultural operations to ensure adherence to environmental standards and issues official notices of violation when necessary.
Disaster Risk & Emergency Management Program
Updates national oil spill response plans and runs emergency simulations with the Gambia Maritime Administration. Coordinates localized warning networks for extreme flood and climate events.
Explore Other Departments
Office of the Executive Director
The Office of the Executive Director provides the strategic and governance backbone of the National Environment Agency. It ensures alignment between NEA's mandate, national government priorities, and international environmental commitments. The office directly oversees the Technical Advisory Committee, Procurement, and Internal Audit functions to maintain transparency, accountability, and policy coherence across all departments.
Directorate of Administration & Finance
The Directorate of Administration and Finance provides the essential administrative, financial, human resource, and logistical foundation for the National Environment Agency. DAF ensures transparent management of operational budgets in line with regulatory frameworks, administers fleet assets, and supports our regional monitoring offices.
Intersectoral Services Network
The Intersectoral Services Network coordinates cross-cutting environmental policies across ministries, municipal authorities, and non-governmental institutions. ISN manages Gambia's highly vulnerable Atlantic coastline, guides community mangrove restoration efforts, publishes the statutory state of the environment report, and runs early disaster warning response systems.