The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing facility in Zaria, Kaduna State, over violations of national air quality standards.
The agency said the action followed investigations which confirmed that the plant was emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, in contravention of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.
According to NESREA, the regulations mandate industrial operators to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production methods to reduce environmental and public health risks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA said the level of emissions from the Sunseed Oil facility posed a direct threat to the environment and residents of surrounding communities, necessitating immediate enforcement action to prevent further damage.
She noted that the shutdown underscores the agency’s determination to ensure strict compliance with environmental standards and to safeguard the public from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial emissions.
Reacting to the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned companies operating across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental laws, stressing that violations would attract decisive sanctions.
He reaffirmed that the agency would not hesitate to take action against facilities whose operations endanger public health or degrade the environment.
NESREA reiterated its commitment to continuous monitoring and enforcement, emphasising that environmental protection remains central to sustainable development in Nigeria.
