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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue VIII, August 2025
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Effects of Industrial Emissions on Air Quality in Communities
Surrounding International Breweries Limited, Ilesa Plant, Osun
State.
1 Akinloye Kehinde Francis, 2 Akinloye Florence Yetunde
1Department of Geography, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State.
2Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, University of Ilesa, Ilesa, Osun State.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1408000196
Received: 18 Aug 2025; Accepted: 24 Aug 2025; Published: 24 September
Abstract: Industrialisation is considered a cornerstone of development strategies. This popularity is due to the significant
contribution that industries make to economic growth and human welfare. Industrial production provides goods, services and jobs.
At the same time, it is a major source of pollution and waste. This scenario is evident in the long-standing presence of International
Breweries Limited, the Ilesa plant, and the surrounding communities. It is against this background that this study investigates the
effect of industrial activities, most especially emissions, on air quality in communities around International Breweries Limited,
Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. Using a random systematic sampling technique, researchers conducted a survey of 500 residents within
an area of one square kilometre of the industry. The parameters of interest include awareness of industrial activities, perceptions of
air quality, health and environmental effects, community responses, and suggestions. Other primary data were collected through
field observation and focus group discussions in the study area. The collected data were analysed using descriptive and inferential
statistics for principal component analysis. Major findings from the study showed that 91% of the respondents are aware of the
operations of the industry in the area, but only 46% are aware that industrial processes can emit substances into the air. 57.6% of
the respondents also confirmed changes in the air quality around the industry. Although 12% and 23% of the respondents noticed
cough and eye irritation, respectively, among the people around the industry, 75% confirmed that there was no noticeable health
issue in the area. During the focus group discussion, the respondents identified noise pollution as the primary impact of the industry.
Emissions of carbon monoxide, heaps of factory waste, and road congestion associated with factory noise were the major
observations in the industry during the survey. The study concluded that there is air and noise pollution as a result of industrial
activities, leading to obvious environmental degradation in the area. Therefore, there is a need for proper environmental control and
management to ameliorate the adverse effects of industrial emissions, waste deposits, and noise pollution in the area.
Keywords: Industrial emissions, breweries industry, noise pollution and environmental degradation
I. Introduction
Industrialisation has long been recognised as a major driver of economic growth, but it is also one of the foremost contributors to
environmental degradation and declining public health globally. Industrial emissions, in particular, pose a serious threat to air
quality, especially in developing countries where environmental regulations are weakly enforced and community awareness remains
low (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2021). Air pollution from industrial sources includes fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and
PM10), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals. These pollutants are
known to contribute to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and premature deaths worldwide (Landrigan et al.,
2018; Lelieveld et al., 2020).
Internationally, evidence underscores the severity of the problem. For example, Pope and Dockery (2006) established that long-
term exposure to particulate matter from industrial sources is strongly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) and ischaemic heart disease. Similarly, Brauer et al. (2016) noted that industrial air pollution exacerbates health
inequalities, as vulnerable populations living near industrial facilities are disproportionately exposed. Beyond human health,
industrial emissions also harm ecosystems, contribute to acid rain, and accelerate climate change, with far-reaching socio-economic
consequences (United Nations Environment Programme [UNEP], 2019).
In developing nations, particularly across Africa, the problem is compounded by weak institutional frameworks, poor waste
management practices, and limited public awareness. The World Bank (2020) highlights that industries in Sub-Saharan Africa often
operate with outdated technologies and inadequate pollution-control mechanisms, leading to indiscriminate release of hazardous
substances into the air, water, and soil. A recent study by Owusu and Sarkodie (2020) revealed that industrialisation in West Africa
significantly increases air pollutant concentrations, directly affecting respiratory health and agricultural productivity. Similarly, in
South Asia, Gurjar et al. (2016) emphasised that unchecked industrial growth has led to some of the world’s highest air pollution
levels, reinforcing the global relevance of this issue.
In Nigeria, research has primarily centred on large industrial cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Kaduna, where
industrialisation is most intense (Adekunle, 2018; Ayeni, 2014; Ige et al., 2022). These studies confirm that industries contribute
substantially to poor environmental quality and adverse health outcomes. Vagale’s (1974) pioneering work on Ibadan demonstrated
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the hazards of mixed industrial and residential land use, where communities were directly exposed to smoke, dust, noise, vibration,
and toxic effluents. However, medium-sized cities like Ilesa, Ife, Ede, and Osogbo remain under-researched despite hosting
industrial establishments that significantly influence environmental quality.
This gap is especially concerning in Ilesa, Osun State, where the International Breweries Limited plant serves as a major industrial
hub. Residents living around the facility report health challenges such as persistent coughing, eye irritation, and waterborne diseases,
pointing to possible air and environmental pollution. Yet, empirical studies specifically addressing how industrial emissions from
this brewery affect air quality are lacking. While Ige et al. (2022) linked industrial growth to environmental health risks in Nigeria,
their work did not extend to medium cities such as Ilesa. This study, therefore, aims to fill this research gap by systematically
examining the effects of industrial emissions on air quality in Ilesa.
By focusing on a medium-sized city, this study contributes to the broader environmental health discourse by bringing attention to
overlooked contexts where communities may be equally, if not more, vulnerable. It also aligns with international calls for localised
assessments of industrial impacts, which are critical for advancing both environmental justice and sustainable development (United
Nations, 2015).
Justification
This study definitely provides useful information on the effects of industrial emissions on air quality in communities around the
International Breweries Limited, Ilesa plant. This also guides the formation of a viable environmental strategy and implementation
that can be of help to safeguard possible environmental degradation and atmospheric pollution in the study area and other areas of
similar characteristics. In addition, the study provides information on industrial activities and their associated effects on residents'
environmental health, which will guide the intervention of stakeholders in the implementation of relevant planning tools to mitigate
the menace in the study area and other areas with similar characteristics.
II. Literature Review
Industrial emissions constitute one of the most pressing sources of environmental pollution, arising from diverse industrial activities
that release toxic substances into the atmosphere. These emissions not only pose direct threats to human health but also cause
significant ecological damage, altering the balance of natural systems and reducing the overall quality of life in affected
communities (Ige, 2018). Beyond their physical and chemical toxicity, industrial emissions and their associated odours exert
considerable influence on occupational safety and community well-being. Research has shown that residents living near industrial
sites, as well as employees within those industries, often experience health challenges such as respiratory distress, eye irritation,
and chronic illnesses linked to prolonged exposure (FEPA, 2021).
Air pollutants, particularly volatile organic and inorganic compounds, are notorious for their unpleasant odours, which cut across
multiple industrial sectors such as breweries, petroleum refineries, latex processing plants, pharmaceutical industries, tanneries,
waste treatment facilities, poultry farms, and fish processing industries (Webster et al., 1996; Gangagari Rao et al., 2012). These
odours are more than a nuisance; they are often indicators of hazardous substances that can compromise air quality and public
health.
Air, as a vital life-supporting medium, was naturally fresh and balanced prior to the advent of rapid industrialisation. However,
with the accelerated growth of industrial activities, maintaining clean and breathable air has become increasingly challenging. The
release of industrial toxins has transformed the atmosphere into a medium that is harmful, unstable, and, in many instances,
unsuitable for sustaining both physical and biological systems. Industrial emissions typically consist of vapours, aerosols, solid
particulates, toxic gases, and smoke, all of which contribute to environmental degradation and adverse health effects (WHO, 2022).
According to WHO (2022), six major “classic” air pollutants dominate industrial environments: nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur
dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), suspended particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and ozone. These pollutants emanate from a
wide range of sources, including fuel-fired boilers, internal combustion engines, industrial furnaces, and gas stoves. Exposure to
these substances has been linked to multiple health complications, such as cardiovascular diseases, lung infections, and, in extreme
cases, premature death.
Moreover, industrial activities emit high volumes of greenhouse gases (GHGs), including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous
oxides, which significantly contribute to global warming and climate change. While the natural greenhouse effect is crucial for
sustaining life on Earth by trapping heat, excessive accumulation of these gases has led to rising global temperatures and erratic
climate patterns. Each GHG has a unique global warming potential, determined by its chemical and physical properties, with carbon
dioxide being the most dominant due to its sheer concentration in the atmosphere.
The brewery industry is a pertinent example of industrial activity with notable environmental implications. Beer, as the fifth most
consumed beverage worldwide, demands large-scale production, with global output reaching approximately 1.96 billion hectolitres
in 2016, accounting for more than three-quarters of global alcohol consumption (FEPA, 2021). The environmental footprint of this
scale of production is considerable. Studies suggest that alcoholic beverages, including beer, contribute about 0.7% of total global
GHG emissions when assessed across their life cycle from production and packaging to distribution and consumption. The brewery
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sector’s dependence on water, energy, and raw materials makes it a major contributor to environmental degradation, thereby
affecting both ecosystems and the health of nearby communities.
III. Methodology
a) Study Area
International Breweries Plc, Ilesa Plant, was established in 1971 to brew both alcoholic and non-alcoholic malt beverages. It is in
the Ilesa West Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. The geographical coordinates are approximately latitude 7°1′ to 7°3′
North and longitude 4°8′ to 4°9′ East. The plant is located near the Asoro Stream. This location was strategically chosen due to the
proximity to a water source, which serves both as a supply of water for industrial processes and a channel for disposing of industrial
wastes and effluents. Production commenced in December 1978 with an installed capacity of 200,000 hectolitres per annum, which
increased to 500,000 hectolitres annually by 1982. On April 26, 1994, International Breweries Plc, Ilesa, was officially listed as a
public limited liability company.
b) Method of Data Collection
A total of 500 copies of a structured questionnaire were administered to both residents of surrounding communities and staff
members of the brewery. A random systematic sampling technique was used among residents: the first household was selected
using a random number table, followed by every 20th household within the estate. For the industry staff, purposive sampling was
adopted to select respondents with relevant knowledge and experience to provide insightful information regarding the aim of the
study. In addition, interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with community members to gather qualitative data on
the perceived effects of industrial emissions on environmental health. Data collected were subjected to inferential statistical analysis
to interpret and validate the findings.
IV. Results and Discussion
The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents are crucial to understanding the impact of industrial emissions on air quality
in communities around the brewery. Key variables considered include age, gender, occupation, education level, and the number of
years spent living in the area. Table 1 shows that the age distribution was fairly balanced, with 32.7% of respondents younger than
44 years, 27.3% between 45 and 54 years, 14.7% aged 55–64 years, and 25.3% aged 65 years and above. This indicates that both
younger and older adults are represented in the study, suggesting that exposure to emissions spans across different age cohorts.
With regard to length of residency in the community, 34.0% had lived in the area for 11–20 years, 22.0% for 21–30 years, 11.3%
for 31–40 years, 10.0% for 41–50 years, while 22.7% had resided in the area for 51 years or more. This long duration of residence
suggests that a considerable proportion of respondents have had sustained exposure to the brewery’s industrial activities. In terms
of gender, 56.7% were male, while 43.3% were female. This distribution reflects a relatively higher male representation, which
may be linked to the male-dominated nature of brewery-related occupations.
Occupationally, 62.0% of respondents were engaged in brewery-related jobs such as factory work, truck driving, labouring, and
agency roles. Other occupational groups included civil servants (24.0%), professionals (4.7%), artisans (6.7%), and traders (2.7%).
This distribution highlights the brewery’s significance as a major source of employment in the area, while also pointing to the
economic dependence of the community on the industry. Regarding education, 12.7% of respondents had primary education or
below, 47.3% had completed secondary school, 30.0% attained OND/NCE level, and 10.0% possessed tertiary qualifications (HND,
B.Sc., and above). This suggests that most respondents had at least some level of formal education, which may influence their
awareness and perceptions of environmental issues.
Religiously, Christianity (50.6%) and Islam (46.7%) were the dominant affiliations, while 2.7% practised traditional religion. This
reflects the religious diversity within the community. Overall, the demographic profile suggests a population that is relatively
mature, largely dependent on the brewery for livelihood, and with a strong presence of long-term residents’ factors that are critical
in shaping perceptions and responses to industrial emissions and their impact on air quality.
Table 1: Socio–Economic and Demographic Characteristics of the Respondents
Variables Options Frequency Percentage (%)
Age group (yrs) <44 392 32.7
45 – 54 328 27.3
55 – 64 176 14.7
65 and above 304 25.3
Years spent in the community 11 – 20 408 34.0
21 – 30 264 22.0
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31 – 40 136 11.3
41 – 50 120 10.0
51 and above 272 22.7
Gender Male 680 56.7
Female 520 43.3
Marital status Single 88 7.3
Married 1,040 86.7
Divorced 72 6.0
Level of education Primary and below 152 12.7
Secondary 568 47.3
OND/NCE 360 30.0
Tertiary
(HND/B.Sc. &
above)
120 10.0
Religion Christianity 607 50.6
Islam 560 46.7
Traditional 33 2.7
Occupation Civil servant 288 24.0
Brewery-related 744 62.0
Professional 56 4.7
Trading 32 2.7
Artisan 80 6.7
Total
1200 100
Source: Author’s Fieldwork, 2024
Health Challenges of Industrial Emission in The Study Area
The implications of industrial emissions and related activities on human health are evident in the study area. Table 2 shows that
41% of respondents reported experiencing persistent coughing, while 40% indicated cases of eye irritation within the past year.
These symptoms are likely due to exposure to polluted air, as inhalation of airborne contaminants and irritation caused by airborne
particles can lead to respiratory and ocular health issues.
Furthermore, 13% of respondents reported cases of diarrhoea, and 2% mentioned cholera outbreaks—both of which are common
in environments with poor sanitation and water pollution. These health conditions may be linked to the presence of brewery waste
dumps in the vicinity, which could contaminate local water sources and promote the spread of disease.
Exposure to harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, bioaerosols, smoke, and emissions from industrial engines can result in
a variety of health issues. Additionally, airborne bacteria originating from industrial waste and effluents pose infectious threats to
nearby residents (Akinloye, 2017).
Industrial emissions are a significant component of air pollution and contribute substantially to environmental degradation. Not
only do they release a considerable volume of toxic gases into the atmosphere, but they also have a direct negative impact on public
health and the overall quality of the environment.
Table 2: Health Challenges of Population
Diseases Population Percentage
Cough 225 45
Eye irritation 200 40
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Malaria 65 13
Cholera 10 2
Total 500 100
Source: Author’s Field work 2024.
Principal Component Analysis of Environmental Health Factors
The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) extracted key factors explaining 84.7% of the variance in environmental health
conditions in the study area. The first principal component, which explained 22% of the variance, had strong loadings on two
variables: residents’ nonchalant attitudes toward industrial emissions (loading = 0.711) and the ineffectiveness of environmental
sanitary inspections (loading = 0.683). In practical terms, this suggests that weak community responsiveness, combined with lapses
in institutional enforcement, are the most critical drivers of environmental health risks. Policies should therefore prioritise
community sensitisation campaigns and strengthening routine environmental monitoring systems to address this gap.
The second component, which explained 18.5% of the variance, was most strongly associated with the level of awareness of health
risks from prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide (loading = 0.642) and industrial dust (loading = 0.605). These loadings highlight
a deficit in health risk knowledge among residents. Interventions here should emphasize public health education, incorporating both
formal health systems and community-based approaches to ensure residents understand the long-term risks of toxic emissions.
The third component accounted for 13.3% of the variance and was dominated by the industrial emission methods used in the factory
(loading = 0.529). This indicates that the technologies and processes employed in production have a direct bearing on community
health outcomes. From a policy standpoint, enforcing compliance with emission standards and encouraging cleaner production
technologies within the brewery would substantially mitigate risks.
Other components contributed smaller proportions of the variance but still highlight relevant dynamics. For instance, proximity of
residences to the factory (loading = 0.488) loaded on Factor 4 (10.0% variance), suggesting that urban planning and zoning
regulations could play an important preventive role.
Taken together, the PCA findings show that (1) weak enforcement and community apathy, (2) low health-risk awareness, and (3)
unsustainable industrial practices are the strongest determinants of environmental health vulnerabilities. These insights underscore
the need for a multi-pronged policy approach combining stricter regulatory enforcement, targeted awareness campaigns, and
promotion of cleaner technologies.
Table 3: Environmental Challenges Emanating from Waste Disposed
Component Initial Eigen Values Extraction Of Sums Of Squared Loadings
Total %Variance Cumulative % Total %Variance Cumulative %
1 3.728 21.931 21.931 3.728 21.931 24.931
2 2.899 17.053 38.984 2.899 17.053 38.984
3 2.260 13.295 52.279 2.260 13.295 52.279
4 1.858 10.205 63.208 1.858 10.929 63.208
5 1.451 8.535 71.743 1.451 8.535 71.743
6 1.217 7.160 78.903 1.217 7.160 78.902
7 1.018 5.991 84.893 1.018 5.991 84.893
8 .735 4.322 89.215
9 .521 3.064 92.279
10 .482 2.836 95.115
11 .298 1.755 96.870
12 .227 1.353 98.205
13 .141 .830 98.035
14 .093 .546 99.581
15 .054 .316 99.987
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16 .014 .083 99.980
17 .003 .020 100.000
Source: Author’s Field work 2024.
Perception of Air Quality
Table 4 presents the distribution of respondents based on their perception of air quality in the study area. The results indicate that a
significant majority approximately 75% of the respondents reported noticeable changes in air quality, while 25% reported no
changes.
In terms of how residents rated the air quality in their community, those who acknowledged changes provided further explanations
that supported their claims. Their responses suggest a decline in air freshness, increased dustiness, and more frequent odour
emissions, all likely resulting from ongoing industrial activities in the area.
Table 4: Distribution of Respondent responses by Air Quality
Changes in air Frequency Percentage
Air changed 373 74.7
Air didn’t change 127 25.3
Total 500 100
Source: Author’s Field work 2024
Air Quality Rating by Respondents
According to the data presented in Table 5, only 7.2% of the respondents rated the air quality in their community as very good,
while 9% described it as good. A majority 55.2% rated the air quality as just fair, and the remaining 28.6% reported that the air
quality was poor.
These findings suggest that while a small proportion of residents view the air quality positively, the majority perceive it as either
average or poor, indicating widespread concern about air pollution in the area.
Table 5: Distribution of Respondents According to Change
Changes noticed Frequency Percentage
Very good air 36 7.2
Good air 45 9.0
Fair 276 55.2
Poor 143 28.6
Total 500 100
Source: Author’s Field work 2024
Distribution of Respondents by Community Response
Table 6 presents the distribution of respondents based on their community's response to industrial air pollution and related
environmental actions.
Regarding visits by government or environmental agencies for air quality inspection, only 14% of the respondents reported regular
or noticeable visits. In contrast, 66% stated that no such visits have occurred, while 20% were unsure.
When asked whether residents had ever raised complaints or concerns about air pollution in the area, only 4% responded yes,
indicating that they had made such complaints. A significant majority 81.3% reported that they had never made any complaints,
while 14% were unsure.
Furthermore, when evaluating the efforts of International Breweries Plc in protecting the environment, only 5.3% of respondents
believed the company was doing enough. On the other hand, 49% stated that the company was not doing enough, and 46% were
not sure whether adequate environmental protection measures were being taken.
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Table 6: Distribution of Respondents by Community Response
Response Yes No Not Sure
Has any government agency ever visited
your community for air quality
inspection
70(14%) 330(66%) 100(20%) 500(100.0)
Have you ever made complaints or raised
concerns about air pollution in your area
20(4%) 406(81.3%) 73(14%) 500(100.0)
Do you think International Breweries is
doing enough to protect the environment
8(5.3) 247(49%) 267(46%) 500(100.0)
Source: Author’s Field work 2024
V. Discussion
The relative inactivity of environmental agencies in the study area can be understood through the lens of legal, logistical, and
political challenges, which are widely discussed in the literature on environmental governance. From a legal standpoint, several
scholars argue that Nigeria’s regulatory frameworks remain weak, outdated, or poorly enforced (Adekunle, 2018; FEPA, 2021).
For instance, fines for environmental violations are often minimal, allowing industries to treat them as part of routine operating
costs rather than deterrents (Ayeni, 2014). Similarly, Vagale (1974) earlier observed that weak enforcement of environmental laws
in industrial towns like Ibadan enabled industries to disregard regulatory standards, with adverse implications for surrounding
communities. This legal fragility persists today, as regulatory bodies often lack prosecutorial powers and must rely on slow judicial
processes, which rarely result in meaningful sanctions (World Bank, 2020).
In addition to legal weaknesses, logistical and institutional constraints are a recurring theme. Scholars have noted that Nigerian
environmental agencies are chronically underfunded and understaffed, limiting their ability to carry out regular inspections or invest
in modern monitoring technologies (Ige, 2018; Akinloye, 2017). Field officers often lack basic equipment to test air and water
quality, and in some cases, they cannot even reach affected communities due to transportation challenges (Omofonmwan & Eseigbe,
2009). This resonates with findings by the UNEP (2019), which reported that many African countries lack adequate capacity to
measure and regulate industrial emissions effectively. Without adequate institutional resources, agencies tend to adopt reactive
measures rather than preventive approaches, leaving communities vulnerable to persistent environmental health risks.
Political interference further exacerbates these structural weaknesses. Industries that contribute significantly to local employment
or generate substantial tax revenues are often shielded from strict regulation by political elites, who prioritize economic gains over
environmental protection (Owusu & Sarkodie, 2020). This aligns with the observation by Landrigan et al. (2018) that in low- and
middle-income countries, pollution control is often undermined by political capture, where powerful interests compromise
environmental accountability. The problem is further compounded by overlapping mandates of agencies, resulting in poor
coordination, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a diffusion of responsibility (FEPA, 2021; UNEP, 2019).
The literature also provides pathways for reform. Strengthening the legal framework by updating environmental laws, closing
loopholes, and raising penalties to levels that act as real deterrents is widely recommended (Adekunle & Eniola, 2018; World Bank,
2020). In addition, agencies should be empowered with direct enforcement powers and mandated to publish data on emissions to
ensure transparency (WHO, 2021). Institutional reforms are equally important: increasing budgetary allocations, equipping field
officers with modern monitoring tools, and providing continuous training are necessary to enhance effectiveness (Ukpebor et al.,
2006; Brauer et al., 2016). Furthermore, insulating agencies from political interference through independent oversight mechanisms
and community-based monitoring initiatives could help reduce regulatory capture (Lelieveld et al., 2020; UNEP, 2019).
In essence, the observed negligence of environmental agencies is not simply a matter of unwillingness but reflects deep structural
constraints across the legal, institutional, and political landscape. As Owusu and Sarkodie (2020) and Pope & Dockery (2006)
emphasize, addressing industrial emissions requires holistic governance reforms that combine legal empowerment, institutional
strengthening, and active citizen participation. Only through such integrated reforms can environmental agencies effectively
safeguard air quality and protect community health in industrial towns like Ilesa.
VI. Conclusion
In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore that industrial emissions from the brewery exert clear and measurable impacts
on the environmental health of nearby residents. However, the persistence of these problems cannot be separated from the broader
structural weaknesses of environmental governance in Nigeria, which include outdated legal frameworks, under-resourced
regulatory agencies, and political interference that undermines enforcement. Addressing these challenges requires not only stronger
regulatory enforcement and regular environmental monitoring but also institutional reforms that enhance agency capacity,
transparency, and independence. Equally, fostering public awareness and empowering local communities to participate in
environmental governance are essential to bridging gaps in accountability. Importantly, International Breweries Plc must take
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proactive responsibility by adopting sustainable technologies and minimising its ecological footprint, thereby setting a precedent
for corporate environmental responsibility. By highlighting these multi-dimensional issues, this study contributes to the growing
literature on industrial pollution in developing contexts and provides evidence that can inform both policy reform and future
research on sustainable industrial practices.
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