By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria is currently the world’s second most-polluted country, topping Africa’s index with 88.2 percent.
A global database, Numbeo, which made the revelation recently, said Egypt, Kenya, Morocco and South Africa follow on the heels of Nigeria with 82.7, 69.0, 68.7 and 56.7 percents respectively.
The database said the index considers key pollution indicators, including air and water quality, garbage disposal, green spaces and environmental comfort.
Number said rising environmental pollution caused rapid urbanization across Africa is placing severe strain on health care systems and curtailing economic growth across the continent.
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It described pollution as a costly burden on African nations, with grave impact on their economic and health systems.
The database observed that water pollution have dire consequences for the continent, causing a surge in respiratory diseases and other health issues that demand increased health care funding.
In many African countries, it observed further, a significant share of budgets is now devoted to tackling pollution-related health problems.
The indirect impact on the economy, Numbeo added, is equally grave, as frequent illnesses disrupt productivity, reducing output across sectors.
As African nations contend with the dual burden of pollution and climate change, the financial and social costs of inaction are becoming evident.
Governments are being urged to address these environmental threats as part of broader economic and health strategies to safeguard future development across the continent.
