Nasarawa State has made history as the host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a milestone project under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) designed to tackle air pollution and unlock green economy opportunities.
The centre, a collaboration between the Federal Government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected to cut harmful vehicular emissions, create jobs, generate revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.
Speaking at the commissioning on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a “strategic intervention to safeguard lives and advance sustainable development.”
“Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health, and well-being of all citizens. It does not discriminate; it impacts children, the elderly, workers, the rich, poor, and even unborn generations,” Kambari said.
He added that the project aligns with global best practices and reaffirms Nigeria’s environmental commitments by enforcing stricter regulation of vehicle emissions.
Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, hailed the initiative as a product of political will and strong partnerships. She praised Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for pioneering the project, urging stakeholders to safeguard the facility for the collective good.
“This is our project, and we must do all we can to protect it because it is for our collective benefit,” she said.
Representing the state government, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman, highlighted the socio-economic gains of the centre.
“The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to improve air quality while creating jobs and boosting revenue generation,” Usman noted.
With the commissioning of this centre, Nigeria has taken a bold step towards cleaner air, healthier communities, and sustainable economic growth.
