To tackle the pressing issue of air pollution, Nigeria is embarking on an ambitious initiative targeting a 50% reduction in airborne contaminants by 2030. To support this effort, the government will implement a network of air quality monitoring stations nationwide, gathering trustworthy data to guide policy formulation and environmental management. Additionally, a mobile application will be launched to deliver real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) updates for key cities in Nigeria. Dr. Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Environment in Nigeria, shared this information at a press briefing held in Abuja.
This event commemorated the 2024 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, with the theme “Invest in Cleanairnow join the National campaign” #BreatheEasyNigeria#. Salako highlighted the necessity of minimising air Pollution to safeguard community health, ecological systems, and economic stability, adding that neglecting to address this issue will lead to extensive consequences. Air quality deterioration poses a major worldwide global, inflicting annual expenses of $8.1 trillion on the global economy, representing 6.1% of worldwide GDP, primarily related to rising healthcare expenditures, as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports.
Pollution arises from various sectors of the country’s production.
In the 2021 World Air Quality Report, Nigeria was identified as Africa’s third-most polluted country. By 2023, Nigeria’s PM2.5 levels reached 4.8 times exceeding the annual air quality standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO). In Nigeria, pollution arises from various sources such as vehicle exhaust, industrial processes, unauthorised oil refining, gas flaring, waste incineration, domestic cooking, and Electricity generation. Dr. Salako announced an initiative to introduce a nationwide campaign aimed at promoting clean air, named #BreatheEasyNigeria. Celebrities and influential individuals will be engaged as Ambassadors for the initiative.
He emphasised the urgency of coming together to address the air pollution issue, highlighting the necessity of informing the community about the dangers linked to unhealthy air quality. Clean air is vital for the lungs, he stated, quoting environmental advocate Guy McPherson, who said one can’t count money while holding one breath. In response to the air quality issue, the government is creating a national structure to assist states in developing testing facilities for vehicle and generator emissions.
Business leaders should pay attention to their manufacturing procedures.
These facilities will comply with the criteria established by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) along with the Standards Organization of Nigeria. Currently, there is a pilot project for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Industrial Emission Monitoring in progress, with intentions for a broad implementation across the country. The Minister urged business leaders to pay attention to their Manufacturing procedures and lower their emission levels. Everyone needs to contribute to resolving this issue, stressing that testing for Emissions should focus not merely on generating income but on adhering to the national air quality regulations.
In his appeal, Mrs. Mariya Rufai, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, Ibrahim Kambari, highlighted the importance of raising public awareness, especially for at-risk populations such as the elderly, women, and children. Clean air is vital for overall health, a sustainable environment, greater productivity, and a thriving economy, she pointed out. Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, the Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), emphasised the need for collaborative initiatives across various sectors to address air pollution. He highlighted the significance of maintaining clean air for both human well-being and environmental sustainability.
Effects show the importance of Clear air programs.
Moreover, the United Nations General Assembly created the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in 2020 to enhance global awareness and foster collaboration in promoting better air quality and minimising pollution. This year’s focus underscores the critical importance of funding clean air programs to protect public health, the environment, and Economic Development for the generations to come. As Nigeria sets forth on this ambitious path, it’s evident that realising these objectives will demand collaborative action from every segment of the community.