Agency Shuts Down Sunseed Oil Plant Over Air Pollution

National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of Sunseed Oil’s processing facility in Zaria, Kaduna State, following findings of serious air quality violations.

It said the action followed multiple complaints and on-site assessments which confirmed that the facility was releasing excessive air emissions beyond permissible limits.

A press statement signed by NESREA’s assistant director, Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, explained that the emissions were found to contravene the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations, which mandate the adoption of cleaner production methods and the installation of adequate pollution control equipment.

NESREA said the scale and persistence of the pollution posed a direct risk to public health and the surrounding environment, necessitating an immediate shutdown of the plant to prevent further harm.

The agency said the enforcement exercise reflects its mandate to safeguard the environment and protect communities from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial air pollutants and effluent discharges.

Commenting on the development, the director-general of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, advised industrial operators nationwide to adhere to all applicable environmental regulations strictly.
He said non-compliance, particularly actions that endanger human health and degrade the environment, would result in firm regulatory sanctions.

NESREA reiterated its commitment to sustained monitoring and enforcement to ensure that industries operate responsibly and in line with national environmental standards.