The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down a rice processing facility in Kano State, Fortune Rice Mills Limited, over alleged violations of environmental regulations linked to air pollution and offensive emissions.
The enforcement action was carried out on Monday by the agency’s North-West Zonal Office, led by Dr. Mudashiru Raheem, following investigations into complaints from residents living around the facility.
According to NESREA, community members had repeatedly raised concerns over persistent dust emissions and offensive odour emanating from the rice mill despite earlier compliance notices issued to the company.
The agency said its findings revealed that the company violated provisions of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations 2014 and the National Environmental (Food, Beverages and Tobacco Sector) Regulations 2023, leading to the sealing of the facility.
Director-General of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, who authorised the shutdown, condemned what he described as the “reckless attitude” of some industrial operators towards public health and environmental safety.
Barikor stressed that economic activities must not compromise public wellbeing or environmental sustainability, warning that the agency would sustain enforcement actions against erring facilities across the country.
“The health of citizens and the environment must not be sacrificed on the altar of economic gain,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to support environmental protection efforts by reporting pollution incidents and other environmental infractions to the agency for prompt intervention.
The latest action highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny of industrial operators amid rising concerns over environmental pollution and associated public health risks in parts of the country.
