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The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the immediate closure of the Sunseed Oil facility in Zaria, Kaduna State, following reports of persistent air pollution from excessive emissions.
According to NESREA, the facility’s operations were in clear breach of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations, which mandate the installation of pollution control equipment and adherence to cleaner production practices. The level of emissions from Sunseed Oil was deemed severe enough to pose a direct threat to both the local ecosystem and the health of residents living near the plant.
“This enforcement action underscores NESREA’s commitment to protecting the public and the environment from hazardous industrial activities,” the agency stated. Officials said the closure is part of ongoing efforts to ensure that industrial operators comply fully with environmental standards, particularly those regulating air quality and effluent management.
The Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, issued a stern warning to all industrial operators, urging them to comply strictly with national environmental regulations. He emphasized that any activity that jeopardizes public health or damages the environment will attract immediate regulatory action.
The closure of Sunseed Oil serves as a reminder that industrial growth must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. NESREA stressed that it would continue to monitor facilities across the country to prevent pollution, safeguard communities, and ensure that industries adopt cleaner and safer production processes in line with national environmental standards.
