NESREA Shuts Firm Over Toxic Emissions
Notice of the sealing by NESREA and the gate of Sunseed Oil facility.
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down, major agricultural company Sunseed Oil’s facility in Zaria, Kaduna State, due to excessive air emissions that posed an immediate threat to the environment and public health.
NESREA’s Assistant Director (Press) Nwamaka Ejiofor on Tuesday in a statement stated that the enforcement exercise was a response to reports of persistent air pollution caused by excessive air emissions from the facility.
The agency stated that the facility violated the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations which provides for the installation of pollution abatement equipment and cleaner production.
“The severity of the emissions, which posed an immediate threat to the surrounding ecosystem and the health of nearby residents led to the immediate closure of the facility.
“This enforcement action is in line with the commitment of NESREA to ensure industrial compliance and protection of public from the hazardous effects of unregulated industrial discharges(air pollutants and effluents),” the statement said.
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These regulations mandate industries to stay within specific emission limits, often set below national standards to account for other local sources, and establish systems for permits, audits, and penalties for non-compliance.
Speaking on the issue, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor warns industrial operators to ensure full compliance with National Environmental Regulations and avoid actions that impact negatively on the health of the citizens and the environment.
“We will not hesitate to take decisive action against any facility that fails to meet environmental standards,” Barikor stated.
