The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has officially shut down the Sunseed Oil facility located in Zaria, Kaduna State. This decisive enforcement action, announced on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, follows a series of reports regarding hazardous air pollution originating from the plant.
The agency’s Assistant Director of Press, Nwamaka Ejiofor, confirmed that the facility was found to be in “flagrant violation” of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.
Reasons for the Immediate Closure
The enforcement exercise was triggered by persistent and excessive air emissions that posed a direct threat to the local community. According to the agency, the facility failed to implement necessary environmental safeguards.
Key violations identified include:
- Excessive Air Emissions: Discharging pollutants at levels far beyond permissible safety limits.
- Lack of Abatement Equipment: Failure to install mandatory pollution control machinery.
- Public Health Risks: Creating an immediate danger to the respiratory health of nearby residents.
- Ecosystem Damage: Causing avoidable degradation to the surrounding environment.
Regulatory Requirements for Industries
Under the NESREA Act of 2007, industrial operators are legally obligated to protect the public from hazardous discharges. The Air Quality Control Regulations specifically require companies to:
- Install Control Gear: Maintain functional equipment designed to trap and neutralize pollutants.
- Adopt Cleaner Technology: Transition to production methods that minimize waste and emissions.
- Regular Monitoring: Conduct frequent checks to ensure all discharges remain within national standards.
NESREA emphasized that industrial clusters located near residential areas must be especially diligent. Failure to meet these standards results in severe sanctions, including facility sealing, heavy fines, and potential prosecution.
Official Warning to Industrial Operators
The Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, issued a stern warning to all industrial players following the Zaria operation. He reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring full compliance with environmental laws.
“Industrial operators must ensure full compliance with National Environmental Regulations. We will not tolerate actions that negatively impact the health of our citizens or the integrity of our environment,” Barikor stated.
Conclusion and Future Enforcement
NESREA has significantly intensified its surveillance of industries across Nigeria in recent years. By focusing on air quality, effluent discharge, and waste management, the agency aims to bridge the gap between industrial growth and environmental safety. The Sunseed Oil facility will remain sealed until the management demonstrates full compliance with all regulatory requirements.
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