Sharada Residents Applaud NESREA DG Over Pollution Intervention
By Our Correspondent
Residents of Federal Housing Estate Sharada in Kano State have commended the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor, for his swift and sincere response to long-standing environmental pollution complaints allegedly linked to the activities of Fortune Rice Mill, Salable Rice Mill, and Salasar Enterprises Co. Ltd.
The residents described the intervention by the NESREA Director General as a major relief and a renewed source of hope after years of persistent complaints and environmental suffering without meaningful action from relevant authorities.
According to members of the community, residents have for several years endured serious environmental and health challenges, including excessive dust, offensive odour, and hazardous air pollution allegedly emanating from the rice processing factories. They noted that the situation has led to severe health complications and forced some families to relocate from their homes for safety reasons.
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The community further stated that despite several complaints submitted over the past five years to various government agencies and previous authorities, little or no concrete action had been taken to address the situation and protect the health and wellbeing of residents, particularly women and children.
The residents praised Professor Barikor for demonstrating leadership, compassion, courage, and commitment toward environmental protection and public health by treating the matter with the urgency and seriousness it deserves.
They also expressed confidence in the integrity and transparency of the ongoing process and appealed to the Director General to ensure that only competent, honest, and incorruptible officials handle the investigation to guarantee justice without interference or compromise.
The community described Professor Innocent Bariate Barikor as a dedicated and upright public servant who carries out his responsibilities without fear or favour while prioritising the protection of human lives and the environment.
The residents therefore reaffirmed their full support and cooperation with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency throughout the investigation process and expressed optimism that the intervention of the agency under the leadership of Professor Barikor will bring lasting solutions to the environmental and health challenges affecting the communities.
