Kano Rice mill shut over dust emissions, offensive odour – NESREA

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed a rice milling facility in Kano State over alleged environmental violations, following complaints from residents over dust emissions and offensive odour linked to its operations.

The enforcement exercise took place on Monday, and was led by the NESREA Zonal Director, Abdulraheem Mudashir.Mudashir said the action followed several complaints from residents of the area who accused the factory of polluting their environment and disturbing their daily activities.

He explained that checks by the agency showed the facility was not complying with the National Environmental Regulations on Food, Beverages and Tobacco Sector (2009), particularly those covering permit conditions and pollution control standards.According to him, the company had already been issued three compliance and abatement notices, but failed to implement the required corrective measures.

He said the factory was found to be emitting excessive dust into the surrounding environment, while also generating a strong odour that affected nearby households.

Mudashir said: “The company failed to put in place adequate measures to control dust emissions from affecting surrounding communities, in line with Section 48 of the regulation.”He added that despite repeated warnings and notices, the management of the facility did not take the necessary steps to comply with environmental rules, which led to its sealing.“Any facility that refuses to comply with environmental standards will be shut down by NESREA,” he warned.The agency said the enforcement action is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure industrial operators comply with environmental laws and to protect public health across the country.