Kaduna: NESREA seals Sunseed Oil facility over air pollution

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, following reports of persistent and excessive air pollution.

According to a statement signed by NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, the enforcement action was taken because the facility violated the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations by failing to install required pollution control equipment and not adopting cleaner production techniques.

The agency said the levels of emissions from the plant posed an immediate threat to the surrounding environment and the health of nearby residents, prompting authorities to shut down operations.

NESREA described the closure as part of its ongoing effort to ensure industrial compliance and protect the public from harmful industrial discharges, including air pollutants and effluents.

In the statement, NESREA’s Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, also warned other industrial operators to strictly follow national environmental standards to prevent activities that could adversely affect people’s health and the environment.

Under existing regulations, industries are required to install effective pollution abatement systems, monitor emissions regularly, and stay within permissible limits — failure to do so can result in sanctions such as facility closure, fines, or prosecution.