Onitsha's Pollution: A City Choking On Trash

Onitsha, a city in Anambra state, Nigeria, has been labelled the world's most polluted city by the World Health Organization (WHO). The city recorded 30 times more than the WHO's recommended levels of small particulate matter concentration (PM10). The high levels of pollution in Onitsha are attributed to various factors, including the reliance on solid fuels for cooking, burning waste, and traffic pollution from old cars. In addition, the use of generators due to unreliable electricity supplies and unregulated car emissions also contribute to the poor air quality in the city. The pollution in Onitsha has severe health implications, with around 600,000 deaths in Africa associated with air pollution annually, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Onitsha, Nigeria, has been labelled the world's most polluted city by the WHO

Onitsha, a city in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been labelled the world's most polluted city by the World Health Organization (WHO). The air pollution in Onitsha is primarily caused by a combination of factors, including the use of solid fuels for cooking, burning waste, and traffic pollution from old vehicles. According to WHO measurements in 2016, the city recorded dangerously high levels of PM10 air pollution, reaching 30 times the recommended levels.

The impact of this pollution on the health of Onitsha's residents is significant but difficult to quantify due to a lack of official data. However, the health risks associated with exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 particles are well-established. These particles, including sulphate, nitrates, and black carbon, penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, leading to chronic respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

The Nigerian government's response to this public health crisis has been inadequate. While Nigeria has environmental protection laws and regulations in place, enforcement is lacking. Dr Nelson Aluya, a medical practitioner, emphasises the need for active air-monitoring agencies and a more robust federal environmental protection agency. Unfortunately, air quality monitoring and control are not a priority for many African governments, including Nigeria.

The situation in Onitsha is not an isolated case in Nigeria or Africa. According to the WHO, four of the world's worst cities for air pollution are in Nigeria, and the continent has seen a rapid increase in pollution levels due to economic development and industrial activities without the necessary environmental safeguards. The World Bank reported that 94% of Nigeria's population is exposed to air pollution levels exceeding WHO guidelines, significantly impacting public health and the environment.

The complex factors contributing to Nigeria's pollution problem require comprehensive solutions. Dr Maria Neira, WHO Director, highlights the need for assessments of pollution sources at the city level, better urban planning, and the phasing out of old vehicles. However, addressing these issues will require a concerted effort from the Nigerian government, local stakeholders, and the international community to prioritise environmental sustainability alongside economic development.

Contributing factors include the use of solid fuels for cooking, burning waste, and traffic pollution

Onitsha, a city in Nigeria, has been ranked as the world's most polluted city. Contributing factors to its poor air quality include the use of solid fuels for cooking, burning waste, and traffic pollution.

Nearly half of the world's population cooks with solid fuels, such as coal, wood, dung, or agricultural residues. This results in household air pollution, which is far worse in poorer countries. In Onitsha, cooking fires have been identified as a significant source of air pollution, with fine particulate matter released into the air due to limited ventilation.

The burning of waste is another critical factor in Onitsha's pollution levels. The city lacks an effective waste disposal system, resulting in heaps of unregulated rubbish dumps on roadsides and street corners. This waste is often burned, releasing toxic fumes and contributing to the city's already hazardous air quality.

Traffic pollution also plays a role in Onitsha's poor air quality. The city's roads are described as being engulfed in thick smog, with lorries kicking up red clouds of dirt as they pass by. The high volume of traffic, including motorcycles and trucks, contributes to the overall pollution levels in the city.

The combination of these factors has led to Onitsha gaining notoriety for its poor air quality, with residents and visitors experiencing the effects of pollution firsthand. However, despite the lethal consequences, air pollution is not taken seriously in Onitsha and Nigeria as a whole, with little enforcement of environmental protection laws and regulations.

Many Nigerians rely on generators due to unreliable electricity supplies, adding to the pollution

Nigeria has been grappling with unreliable electricity supplies, with its national power grid experiencing 46 collapses between 2017 and 2023. The country's electricity woes have forced its citizens to rely on backup generators for approximately 40% of their electricity needs. This heavy dependence on generators has significant consequences for pollution levels, exacerbating the already dire state of air quality in the country.

The use of generators contributes to the emission of noxious fumes, particularly in enclosed spaces, adding to the air pollution crisis in Nigeria. The situation is further aggravated by the burning of solid fuels for cooking and waste disposal, as well as unregulated vehicle emissions from old cars. The combination of generator fumes and other pollutants has severe health implications for Nigerians, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimating that around 600,000 deaths in Africa each year are linked to air pollution.

Onitsha, a city in Anambra State, has gained international notoriety for its alarmingly high levels of air pollution. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Onitsha has about 30 times more than the recommended levels of small and fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5). These pollutants, including sulfate, nitrates, and black carbon, pose a severe threat to human health by penetrating deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system.

The impact of pollution in Onitsha is evident in everyday life. Motorcycle taxi riders and pedestrians are forced to cover their noses to protect themselves from the thick smog and dust storms. Markets like Okpoko and Ochanja, with PM10 levels exceeding 580 micrograms, pose significant health risks to traders and customers alike. Despite the lethal nature of the pollution crisis, there is a notable lack of concern among residents, with only a few air masks in sight.

Nigeria's struggle with unreliable electricity supplies and the resultant reliance on generators is a critical factor contributing to the country's pollution crisis. The situation is further worsened by a lack of enforcement of environmental protection laws and inadequate air quality monitoring. As Nigeria continues to pursue economic development and industrialization, addressing the power infrastructure issues and transitioning towards more sustainable energy sources are essential steps to mitigate pollution levels and safeguard the health and well-being of its citizens.

Car emissions are unregulated, and many old cars remain in use

Onitsha, a city in Anambra State, Nigeria, has been named the most polluted city in the world by the World Health Organization (WHO). The city has recorded dangerously high levels of PM10 and PM2.5 air pollution, with readings exceeding the WHO's annual figures.

One of the contributing factors to Onitsha's severe pollution problem is the lack of regulation of car emissions. Nigeria, as a whole, has been criticized for its ""very weak" regulation policies regarding vehicle imports. In 2018, the country imported 238,760 vehicles, accounting for 16% of total imports. Many of these imported vehicles are old, polluting, and unsafe, and they contribute significantly to the city's poor air quality.

The age and poor quality of these vehicles are major concerns. Older cars, particularly those manufactured before 1980, often lack advanced emission-control equipment, or if they do have it, it may no longer function properly. As a result, they tend to emit pollutants at much higher levels than newer vehicles. The continued use of these older vehicles leads to increased emissions of harmful substances such as hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that there are no regional or global agreements on the trade of used vehicles. A total of 100 countries, including Nigeria, have no vehicle emissions standards, allowing the import and use of old, polluting cars. The lack of effective standards and regulations has resulted in the dumping of these vehicles in developing countries, hindering efforts to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.

To address the issue of car emissions and improve air quality in Onitsha, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This may include implementing stricter regulations on vehicle imports, adopting accelerated vehicle-retirement (AVR) programs to remove polluting cars from the roads, and promoting sustainable transportation options such as public transit, cycling, and walking. Additionally, there needs to be a focus on enforcing environmental protection laws and improving air quality monitoring and control measures in Nigeria and other affected countries.

Rapid economic development and industrialization have increased pollution levels in Africa

Onitsha, a city in Anambra, Nigeria, has been ranked as the world's most polluted city by the World Health Organization (WHO). The city recorded 30 times more than the WHO's recommended levels of PM10, particulate matter that includes pollutants such as sulfate, nitrates, and black carbon, which penetrate deep into the lungs and the cardiovascular system.

Nigeria's pollution problem is multi-faceted, with contributing factors including the reliance on solid fuels for cooking, burning waste, and traffic pollution from old cars. The country also faces unreliable electricity supplies, leading to the widespread use of generators that emit noxious fumes.

Nigeria's situation reflects a broader trend across Africa, where rapid economic development and industrialization have led to increased pollution levels. Nine countries from four different regions of Africa are among the leading industrial economies in their regions and major contributors to global CO2 emissions. These include Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zambia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, and Nigeria.

The relationship between industrialization and pollution emission in Africa has been studied, confirming that increased industrialization and urbanization lead to heightened environmental degradation. This is due to overexploiting energy sources, industrial progress, and increased energy consumption. As African countries continue to industrialize and expand their economies, the concern for environmental impact becomes more pressing.

To address these challenges, Africa can pursue non-polluting pathways to growth by investing in renewable energy and clean technologies. By transitioning to wind and solar energy, African countries can minimize pollution, build human capital, and accelerate development. This approach can help achieve sustainable industrialization while maintaining a balance with environmental sustainability.

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