The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed the Sunseed Oil facility in Zaria, Kaduna State over alleged violations of Nigeria's air quality regulations.
NESREA Director General Innocent Baricor warned industrial operators to fully comply with national environmental regulations and avoid practices that could negatively impact public health and the environment.
A statement issued on Tuesday by Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA's assistant press director, said the scale and intensity of the emissions pose an immediate threat to the surrounding environment and public health, necessitating the closure of the facility.
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The statement said the action follows reports of persistent air pollution linked to excessive emissions from the facility, which the agency said is in violation of the National Environment (Air Quality Control) Regulations.
The regulations require industries to install pollution prevention equipment and adopt clean production technologies.
“The severity of the emissions, which posed an immediate threat to the surrounding ecosystem and the health of nearby residents, led to the closure of the facility,” the statement said.
NESREA noted that the enforcement action reflects its commitment to ensuring industrial compliance and protecting citizens from the harmful effects of unregulated industrial discharges, including air pollutants and effluents.
Industrial air pollution has become a growing concern across the country, especially in industrial areas located close to residential communities. Such emissions are linked to respiratory diseases, environmental degradation and deterioration in the quality of life of residents.
Under National Environment (Air Quality Control) Regulations, industries are required to install functional pollution control equipment, adopt clean production processes and regularly monitor emissions to ensure compliance with permissible limits.
NESREA has repeatedly warned that non-compliance with environmental regulations will result in sanctions including sealing of facilities, fines and possible prosecution.
In recent years, the agency has stepped up enforcement actions against industries found to be violating environmental laws governing air quality, waste discharge and waste management.
Established under the NESREA Act of 2007, the agency is mandated to enforce national environmental standards and ensure Nigeria's compliance with international environmental agreements.
