NESREA Seals Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria over Hazardous Air Pollution
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, after determining that the company’s operations were releasing harmful pollutants into the air, posing serious environmental and health risks to nearby communities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, said the enforcement action followed repeated reports of persistent and excessive air emissions from the facility that breached the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations. The regulations require all industrial operators to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production techniques to minimise harm to the environment and public health.
According to the agency, the severity of the emissions from the Sunseed Oil plant constituted an immediate threat to both the ecosystem and residents living close to the facility, necessitating its immediate closure. NESREA stressed that such measures are essential to protect the health of citizens and preserve the local environment.
The Director‑General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, reiterated the agency’s commitment to enforcing Nigeria’s environmental laws and urged all industrial operators to ensure strict compliance with national standards. He warned that facilities failing to meet regulatory requirements risk sanctions, including fines, prosecution, and closure.
Air pollution from industrial operations has become an increasing concern in various parts of Nigeria, particularly in areas where factories and residential communities are in close proximity. Experts note that uncontrolled emissions can contribute to respiratory illnesses, environmental degradation, and a reduced quality of life.
The closure of the Sunseed Oil facility underscores growing enforcement actions by NESREA to ensure that industries comply with environmental safeguards and take responsibility for their impact on public health.