Residents of Federal Housing Estate Sharada Commend National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency DG Over Swift Action on Pollution Complaints

Residents of Federal Housing Estate Sharada Commend National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency DG Over Swift Action on Pollution Complaints

 

Residents of Federal Housing Estate Sharada in Kano have expressed deep appreciation to the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor, for his prompt response to long-standing environmental pollution complaints allegedly linked to the activities of Fortune Rice Mill, Salable Rice Mill, and Salasar Enterprises Co. Ltd.

In a press release dated May 15, 2026, the residents described the intervention of the NESREA Director General as a major relief and a renewed source of hope after years of repeated complaints without meaningful action from relevant authorities.

According to members of the community, residents have for several years endured serious environmental challenges, including excessive dust, offensive odour, and hazardous air pollution allegedly emanating from the rice processing factories.

They stated that the situation has led to severe health complications among residents, forcing some families to abandon their homes for safety reasons.

The community further lamented that despite several complaints made over the past five years to different government agencies and previous authorities, little or no concrete measures were taken to address the problem and protect innocent residents, particularly women and children.

The residents commended Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor for demonstrating leadership, compassion, courage, and commitment toward safeguarding public health and the environment by treating the issue with urgency and seriousness.

They also expressed confidence in the integrity and transparency of the ongoing investigation and appealed to the NESREA boss to ensure that only competent and incorruptible officials are assigned to handle the matter to guarantee justice without interference or compromise.

The community described Professor Barikor as a God-fearing, upright, and dedicated public servant committed to protecting human lives and the environment without fear or favour.

Residents of the area reaffirmed their support and cooperation with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency throughout the investigation process, expressing optimism that the intervention under Professor Barikor’s leadership will bring lasting solutions to the environmental and health challenges facing the affected communities.