Residents of Gidan Madara, a neighbourhood located behind the Tradefair Complex in Minna, Niger State, have raised a strong alarm over what they describe as a growing environmental and public health emergency caused by plastic pollution from a nearby recycling facility operating inside their residential area.
Community members say the factory, which originally functioned as a water processing plant, has gradually transformed into a plastic melting and recycling operation that now handles large quantities of plastic waste.
According to residents, the facility processes different grades of discarded plastics, releasing thick smoke, soot, and chemical-laden fumes that spread across nearby homes daily.
In a formal petition submitted to the Niger State government, residents explained that the emissions from the factory have severely affected air quality in the community.
The petition was addressed to the Niger State House of Assembly as well as the state Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, with the residents urging authorities to intervene urgently to stop the plastic pollution they say is threatening lives.
According to the petitioners, the facility identified as Golden Age Water Factory no longer operates as a water processing plant but has effectively turned into a plastic recycling yard within a residential neighbourhood.
They argued that running such an industrial operation in a populated area exposes residents to continuous environmental hazards.
Many residents say the situation has gradually worsened over the years. They claim the smoke and toxic fumes produced during the plastic melting process frequently blanket the neighbourhood, especially during peak processing periods.
The resulting plastic pollution has made it increasingly difficult for families to enjoy fresh air or maintain a healthy living environment.
Community leaders said they have repeatedly approached the factory owner and environmental authorities since 2019, asking that the emissions be stopped or that the facility be relocated to a designated industrial zone.
However, they allege that their appeals have not resulted in any meaningful enforcement action.
Residents say the effects of the pollution are already being felt in the form of health complications among people living close to the factory.
According to several households, residents have begun experiencing symptoms such as breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, chest discomfort, insomnia and chronic nasal congestion.
Medical concerns are especially high among parents who fear the long-term impact of inhaling toxic plastic fumes on children.
They argue that prolonged exposure to plastic pollution could lead to more severe respiratory conditions, cardiovascular problems, or other health complications if the situation is not urgently addressed.
Several residents also expressed frustration over what they perceive as a lack of response from agencies responsible for enforcing environmental regulations.
They mentioned the roles of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Niger State Environmental Protection Agency, noting that both agencies have the mandate to protect citizens from harmful environmental practices.
According to the community, the continued operation of the recycling facility in the area raises questions about whether environmental regulations are being properly enforced.
They believe the persistence of the plastic pollution problem suggests that existing standards meant to safeguard public health are not being fully implemented.
Residents further argued that locating a plastic recycling facility within a residential environment contradicts modern urban planning principles.
They said industrial activities involving the melting of plastic materials should only be permitted in designated industrial zones where emissions can be properly monitored and controlled.
The community also pointed out that the situation undermines broader environmental improvement initiatives being promoted by the Niger State government.
Some residents referenced the development agenda of Umaru Bago, the governor of Niger State, noting that environmental protection should remain a priority under ongoing urban renewal efforts.
While acknowledging the importance of industrial investment and job creation, the residents emphasised that economic activities should never come at the expense of public health.
They explained that their opposition is not directed at legitimate businesses but at operations that expose residents to constant environmental danger.
Community members said the persistent plastic pollution has also affected their daily lifestyle.
Many households claim they can no longer open windows freely due to the fumes, while some residents complain of difficulty sleeping at night when smoke from the factory becomes more intense.
To strengthen their complaint, the residents attached photographs and video recordings showing the level of smoke and soot produced by the facility during plastic processing operations.
They believe the visual evidence clearly demonstrates the environmental risk facing the neighbourhood.
The petition calls on the Niger State government to immediately investigate the factory’s activities, enforce environmental standards, and halt operations if necessary.
Residents are also urging authorities to consider relocating the recycling facility to an industrial zone where proper environmental safeguards can be implemented.
For the people of Gidan Madara and neighbouring Dadin Kowa, the issue is no longer simply about nuisance smoke but about the right to live in a safe and healthy environment.
They say decisive government action is needed to prevent the plastic pollution crisis from escalating further and to protect the wellbeing of thousands of residents living in the affected communities.
Ireport247news
