Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
The Jigawa State Environmental Protection Agency (JISEPA) has confiscated substandard and expired products valued at ₦14.4 million during a six-month enforcement campaign aimed at safeguarding public health and environmental safety across the state.
Speaking to journalists in Dutse on Saturday, JISEPA’s Managing Director, Adamu Sabo, revealed that the seized items included expired food products, improperly preserved goods, and other contaminated substances deemed hazardous to human health and environmental wellbeing.
“This operation is not about punishment but about prevention. Our duty is to ensure the public is protected from harmful products that compromise sanitation and safety,” Sabo said.
The crackdown, he explained, is part of the agency’s statutory mandate to uphold health and environmental regulations in line with Sections 5(1)(2) of the 2009 Jigawa State Environmental Law and Section 125(1) of the 2024 Public Health Security Law.
Sabo assured that all seized items underwent legal condemnation procedures, including verification, documentation, and official authorization for disposal under established health and safety protocols.
“Nothing is done arbitrarily. Every item confiscated is properly handled to prevent further environmental harm or public exposure,” he noted.
He emphasized that these actions reflect JISEPA’s commitment to protecting communities from avoidable health risks, and called on residents and traders to remain vigilant.
The agency chief highlighted ongoing collaboration with traders’ unions, market associations, and local community leaders to ensure awareness and compliance with environmental laws.
“We are not working in isolation. Our success relies on cooperation from all stakeholders—retailers, wholesalers, and everyday citizens. This is a shared responsibility,” he added.
Sabo also urged the public to report any suspicious or illegal trading practices involving unwholesome goods, assuring that enforcement would remain firm but fair.
“Through collective effort, we can build a more secure, hygienic, and conscientious Jigawa. Public health and environmental integrity must never be compromised,” he concluded.
