Air Pollution has become one of the most critical environmental and Public Health issues in Nigeria. In cities across the country, streets are congested with vehicles emitting harmful gases, many of which fail to meet acceptable emission standards. These vehicles, largely second-hand imports nearing the end of their lifespan, are no longer allowed on the roads of European or American cities. However, in the country’s cases, they continue contributing to the toxic clouds hanging over urban areas. As more developed countries transition to electric vehicles, the country could face an influx of these ageing, emission-heavy vehicles.
Also, the situation is particularly dire for vulnerable populations, especially children. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released a report revealing that children under the age of five in the country are dying from wind pollution-related pneumonia. As a result, Nigeria has the highest number of environmental pollution-related child pneumonia deaths in the world. This crisis extends beyond outdoor air pollution, as household pollution affects child mortality. Take Lagos, for instance; it stands out as a major commercial centre where air pollution has reached critical levels.
Nigeria’s environmental quality ranks among the poorest worldwide.
This metropolis is now recognised as among the most polluted cities globally. Likewise, other urban areas in the country, such as Onitsha, Port Harcourt, Aba, and Kaduna, exhibit similarly hazardous climate quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the yearly levels of particulate matter in the nation’s atmosphere far surpass the recommended limits. These airborne particles are tiny enough to be breathed in, reaching deep within the lungs and leading to serious health issues. The contamination in these urban areas arises from multiple sources, such as burning solid fuels for cooking, exhaust from old vehicles, and unregulated waste burning.
Meanwhile, the latest publication from the Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN), a global resource oversight organisation, revealed a concerning scenario. The findings emphasised that the country’s environmental quality ranks among the poorest worldwide, with dense clouds of soot regularly hanging over congested cities. On the other hand, there has been a notable increase in respiratory diseases, such as asthma and other severe health issues. Even with increasing proof, many people in the country still do not recognise the serious health risks associated with extended exposure to contaminated wind.
Activities such as cooking and industrial processes worsen air quality.
Furthermore, pneumonia symptoms encompass coughing, fever, chest discomfort, and severe tiredness. If not addressed, these issues can intensify, resulting in lasting health problems or potentially fatal outcomes. A significant contributor to wind pollution is the dependence on Fossil Fuel burning, which is essential for the daily lives of countless people. Activities such as cooking, transportation, and industrial processes worsen environmental quality. Moreover, studies have pointed out the poor fuel quality brought into the nation. In addition, illicitly processed fuel from the streams of Port Harcourt and Bayelsa frequently surpasses the quality of legally imported fuels despite causing environmental harm during their production.
However, the basic refining methods employed in these regions release considerable pollutants into the climate, which are then dispersed by wind to neighbouring communities, unaware of the dangers. Even with severe repercussions, the nation’s environmental quality remains poorly managed. The 2014 National Environmental Air Quality Control Regulations aimed to establish a foundation for enhancing climate quality and protecting public health, ecosystems, and biodiversity. This law affirmed every individual’s entitlement to access clean air. Despite these regulations, their enforcement is still lacking, as the government seems hesitant or incapable of taking strong action.
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Moreover, this absence of political motivation is evident in the government’s general approach to environmental matters, where initiatives to adopt sustainable practices and apply regulations have proven inadequate. The health consequences of unchecked wind contamination devastate individuals and the country. Poor climate quality increases healthcare costs as more people suffer from preventable diseases and illnesses. While the government acknowledges the problem, its failure to take meaningful action continues to put millions of lives at risk. However, urgent actions are essential to upholding current environmental laws, enhancing public understanding of health hazards, and shifting towards Sustainable Energy alternatives.