The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has sealed off Fortune Rice Mills Limited in Kano State over alleged environmental violations linked to air pollution and offensive odour affecting nearby communities.
The enforcement action followed complaints from residents who accused the rice processing facility of releasing excessive dust particles and harmful emissions into the environment. Investigations by NESREA’s North-West Zonal Office reportedly confirmed repeated violations of environmental regulations despite earlier warnings and compliance notices issued to the company.
According to the agency, the company breached provisions of the National Environmental Air Quality Control Regulations 2014 and the National Environmental Food, Beverages and Tobacco Sector Regulations 2023. Officials said the factory’s operations posed serious environmental and public health concerns, particularly for residents living close to the industrial area.
Director-General of NESREA, Innocent Barikor, condemned what he described as the careless attitude of some industrial operators toward environmental safety. He stressed that profit-making should never come at the expense of citizens’ health and environmental protection.
Barikor warned that the agency would continue to clamp down on industries that fail to comply with environmental standards, adding that companies operating in Nigeria must adopt cleaner and safer production methods. He also urged Nigerians to report cases of pollution and environmental abuse to relevant authorities.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to industrial dust and polluted air can contribute to respiratory diseases, eye irritation and other long-term health complications, especially among children, elderly residents and people with underlying medical conditions.
The closure of the Kano rice mill highlights growing concerns over weak environmental compliance in many industrial centres across Nigeria, where rapid urbanisation and expanding manufacturing activities continue to increase pressure on public health and environmental safety.
