By Abdullahi Lukman
The Federal Government has raised concerns over the growing burden of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and other environment-related health conditions linked to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across Nigeria.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, raised this alarm through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, noting that evidence from environmental surveillance, health statistics, and peer-reviewed assessments paints a troubling picture of the health impacts of rising emissions.
According to Lawal, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses associated with poor environmental quality are increasing at a pace that is overwhelming the country’s health system.
“What we are facing is no longer solely an environmental issue but a public health emergency,” he said. “The burden of disease linked to environmental degradation is rising faster than our health system can manage.”
The minister observed: “Families are spending more on healthcare, productivity is declining, and environmental damage continues to undermine national development.”
He attributed the worsening situation partly to the absence of a coordinated national framework to address environmental health risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions, describing the gap as a major setback.
Lawal said the federal government, in collaboration with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) and other stakeholders, has activated the National Emergency Response Initiative on Environmental Public Health Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (NERI-EPHIGGE).
He explained that the initiative provides a strategic national framework for both immediate and long-term interventions through strengthened environmental health regulations and enforcement.
“The initiative includes the nationwide establishment of environmental health surveillance and response units, promotion of cleaner energy, sustainable industrial practices, low-emission transport systems, and robust public awareness and behaviour change campaigns,” he said.
Lawal assured that the ministry would continue to work with state governments, relevant agencies, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure environmental protection translates into measurable public health outcomes.
He stressed that addressing the challenge requires collective action from government, regulatory bodies, industries, and the transport and energy sectors.
Lawal commended EHCON for its professionalism and commitment, noting that Nigeria’s rapid urbanisation, industrial growth, rising energy demand, and increased transportation activities—while signs of development—have also contributed to higher levels of environmental pollution, particularly greenhouse gas emissions.