The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has shut down a Kano rice plant, Fortune Rice Mills Limited for non-compliance with extant environmental regulations.

The enforcement exercise led by the North West Zonal Director, Dr. Mudashiru Raheem followed investigation of public complaint against the facility, bordering on dust emission and offensive odour despite notices of compliance concerns issued by 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, 18 May 2026.

Speaking on the closure of the plant, the Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, who issued the order to seal the facility, expressed deep concern over the operator’s reckless attitude of facilities toward the health and well-being of citizens and the environment.

Describing the attitude as unacceptable, Barikor insisted that the health hazards and the environment must not be sacrificed on the altar of economic gain, stressing that they 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.