The Federal Government has announced plans to establish air quality monitoring stations across Nigeria, aiming to create a reliable database for effective policy-making and to ensure cleaner air across the country. Additionally, a mobile app will be deployed to provide real-time Air Quality Index updates for every major city in Nigeria.
Speaking during the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Abuja, themed “Invest in Clean Air Now – Join the National Campaign #BreatheEasyNigeria,” the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, emphasized the goal of reducing global air pollutants by 50% by 2030. Salako warned of severe repercussions if current pollution levels are not addressed, highlighting that air pollution costs the global economy an estimated $8.1 trillion per year.
The Minister disclosed that the Ministry of Environment is collaborating with stakeholders to develop a National Policy on Air Quality Management and a Youth-led National Clean Air Programme, involving celebrities and influential individuals as Clean Air Ambassadors. He also announced the forthcoming launch of the National Clean Air Campaign #BreatheEasyNigeria.
Salako noted that air pollution is a major global health risk, with 99% of the world’s population breathing polluted air. He urged collective action and emphasized the role of the media in raising awareness about the importance of clean air.
To address Nigeria’s air quality challenges, the government is working on a national framework to guide states in setting up vehicular and generator Emissions Testing Centres, in line with standards from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). A pilot scheme for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Industrial Emission Monitoring is also underway, with plans for a national rollout.
Salako acknowledged Nigeria’s significant air pollution issues, noting the country was ranked the 3rd most polluted in Africa by the 2021 World Air Quality Report, with average PM2.5 levels in 2023 at 4.8 times the World Health Organisation’s guidelines. Major pollution sources include vehicular emissions, industrial activities, illegal refining, gas flaring, and waste burning.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Ibrahim Kambari, represented by Mrs. Mariya Rufai, highlighted the need for increased awareness, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, women, and children. He stressed the importance of clean air for health, environmental sustainability, productivity, and economic growth.
Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (ECHON), called for coordinated efforts across all agencies and departments under the Ministry to tackle air pollution and safeguard public health and the environment.
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, aims to strengthen global cooperation in improving air quality and reducing pollution.
