The Niger State Government has taken decisive action against a sachet water factory in Gidan Madara, sealing its plastic production unit following persistent air pollution complaints from local residents.
Community members, in a petition addressed to the Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Yakubu Kolo, and copied to Governor Mohammed Bago, raised alarm over hazardous emissions from Golden Age Factory.
Once solely a producer of sachet and bottled water, the factory’s recent expansion into plastic manufacturing sparked concerns over public health risks.
The petitioners, including notable figures like former Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Ahmed Matane, Dr. Ibrahim Kolo, Professor Salihu Niworu, and Mr. Lucky Barau, highlighted the severe impact of the factory’s emissions.
According to them, the community has endured worsening air quality, resulting in widespread respiratory illnesses and premature deaths.
In their plea for intervention, the residents emphasized the gravity of the situation, “The ambient air quality at Gidan Madara and Dadin Kowa Estate has been degraded. Nigeria ranks third among countries with annual premature deaths linked to air pollution. This is the environmental injustice we, the residents of Gidan Madara and Dadin Kowa Estate, have suffered from Golden Age Plastics Melting and Recycling Facility since 2019.”
Despite previous attempts to address the issue, the factory’s harmful emissions persisted. The petitioners urged the government to relocate the plastic production operations to a less populated area.
Responding to the outcry, Commissioner Yakubu Kolo confirmed that the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency had taken action.
“I am aware of the petition. A copy was also sent to His Excellency, who forwarded it to me. On the day I received the petition, my team and I, including NESEPA officials, conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the factory,” Kolo said.
“As of yesterday, the NESEPA agency sealed the company’s plastic production operations, although water production has been allowed to continue temporarily. The factory has been directed to relocate to an industrial area where its emissions will not pose health risks to residents.”
When contacted for comments, the Human Resources Manager of Golden Age Factory, Kizito declined to provide immediate feedback but assured that a response would be forthcoming.
