By Faridat Salifu
As Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating the second International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, the nation’s Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Isiaq Adekunle Salako, has decried the current level of air pollution in the country saying it’s alarming.
The minister made this known in his speech to commemorate international day of clean air for blue skies held in Abuja at weekend.
He called for concerted efforts to combat air pollution and its devastating effects on human health and the environment noting that air pollution can lead to dementia, Alzheimer’s diseases.
According to him, Nigeria was ranked as the third most polluted in Africa in the 2021 World Air Quality Report, with its average concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) in 2023 being 4.8 times higher than the World Health Organization’s recommended limits.
He attributed causes of air pollution in the country noting that vehicular emissions remain the leading cause of air pollution in Nigeria, exacerbated by the widespread use of second-hand automobiles, alongside industrial activities, illegal refining, gas flaring, and the burning of waste.
“If we do not act swiftly to reduce pollution levels, the implications for public health, the economy, and national security will be dire,” the minister emphasized.
Salako noted that air pollution is now the world’s single largest environmental health risk, with 99% of the global population breathing polluted air.
Citing data from the State of Global Air 2024 report, he highlighted that air pollution causes approximately 8.1 million premature deaths annually, surpassing fatalities from malaria and HIV combined.
He said air pollution costs the global economy an estimated $8.1 trillion annually, equivalent to 6.1% of the world’s GDP, largely due to increased healthcare expenses.
The minister warned of air pollution’s direct link to dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and climate change, which fuels natural disasters, food insecurity, and mass migration
However, the minister said the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Environment, has launched several initiatives to tackle air quality concerns which include measures to discourage the importation of old vehicles and the promotion of electric vehicles and alternative fuels like compressed natural gas (CNG).
He added that the government is also encouraging mass transit systems, such as trams and railways, to curb emissions from transportation.
Additional initiatives embarked on by the government to curb air pollution in the country include efforts to transition to low-sulphur fuels, establish vehicular and generator emissions testing centres, and implement a nationwide industrial emissions monitoring scheme.
“A National Clean Cooking Policy has been introduced, with the goal of ensuring universal access to clean cooking technologies by 2030, alongside a commitment to distribute 15,000 clean cook stoves in 2024.
The minister also emphasized the importance of addressing gas flaring, a major contributor to air pollution in Nigeria noting that the National Oil Spills Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has launched a “flare-down” programme in line with Nigeria’s commitment to end routine gas flaring by 2030.
He said the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is working to rehabilitate affected communities and train youths in alternative livelihoods to discourage artisanal refining.
Dr. Salako revealed plans to launch a youth-led National Clean Air Programme and a Clean Air Campaign (#BreatheEasyNigeria), with the involvement of celebrities and prominent figures as Clean Air Ambassadors.
In addition, he said the Ministry of Environment aims to establish air quality monitoring stations across Nigeria to provide real-time data for informed policy-making.
The minister Nigerians, particularly industrialists, to take responsibility for reducing pollution. “For us to be healthy, we must breathe healthy Nigeria,” he said adding that the Federal Ministry of Environment is committed to improving air quality in Nigeria .
“Every Nigerian must play a part in this fight for cleaner air,” he said, and called for greater prioritisation of air quality management by all levels of government.
Salako reminded attendees of the environmentalist Guy McPherson’s words: “You can’t count your money while holding your breath.” He said the ministry remains resolute in its efforts to ensure that future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier environment.