The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has given Bao Yao Industry a three-month deadline to address environmental pollution concerns at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, warning that failure to comply may result in sanctions.
The directive was issued by NEPZA Managing Director Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi during a meeting with investors and stakeholders in Calabar, following complaints about emissions from the company’s operations, particularly at night.
Mrs. Binta Saeed, Managing Director of the Calabar Free Trade Zone, noted that repeated engagements with Bao Yao Industry to install pollution-control equipment had not yielded tangible results. “We have held several meetings and sent letters, but the promised scrubber equipment has not been installed, and the problem persists,” she said.
Ogunyemi emphasized that environmental violations would not be tolerated. “Pollution cannot be accepted. If this issue is not resolved within three months, I will suspend the company’s license,” he warned. He also stressed that environmental compliance is critical to maintaining investor confidence in the zone.
Responding to the concerns, Festus Olukiran, Public Relations Officer of Bao Yao Industry, assured stakeholders that management is taking steps to mitigate emissions. He confirmed that the company’s Chief Operating Officer is coordinating with relevant parties to install the necessary pollution-control equipment.
Ogunyemi insisted on concrete action within the stipulated period, stating: “Three months is sufficient. The issue has lingered too long. Non-compliance will attract regulatory action.”
