By Rosemary Ogbonna
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down a Kano rice plant, Fortune Rice Mills Limited, for non-compliance with the extant environmental regulations.
The enforcement exercise, led by the North West Zonal Director, Dr. Mudashiru Raheem, followed an investigation of public complaints against the facility, bordering on dust emission and offensive odour, despite notices of compliance concerns issued by NESREA.
According to NESREA, the investigation by the zonal office established violation of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations 2014, and National Environmental (Food, Beverages and Tobacco Sector) Regulations 2023, leading to the sealing of the facility on Monday, May 18, 2026.
The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, while issuing the order to seal the facility, expressed deep concern over the reckless attitude of facilities toward the health and well-being of citizens and the environment. He described the attitude as unacceptable.
Barikor insisted that the health of citizens and the environment must not be sacrificed on the altar of economic gain, stressing that NESREA would continue to ensure facilities operate within the law. He urged Nigerians to take ownership of their environment and act as watchdogs by promptly reporting any infractions to NESREA.