Air Pollution In Nigeria: A Growing Concern?

Air pollution is a significant issue in Nigeria, causing a growing number of health issues and deaths over the years. In 2019, Nigeria was ranked as the fourth most polluted country in the world, and it has the highest number of air pollution-related child pneumonia deaths globally, with most of these deaths occurring among children under five. The country's rapid industrialization, population growth, and anthropogenic activities have led to various forms of pollution, including air pollution, water pollution, oil spillage, and solid waste management issues. Nigeria's agricultural practices, such as open-field burning, and the use of aged vehicles with poor-quality engines, also contribute to the air pollution problem. While the country has taken some steps to address air pollution, such as partnering with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and developing a National Action Plan to reduce short-lived climate pollutants, it continues to struggle with implementing effective solutions.

Nigeria's air pollution problem is the fourth-worst in the world

Nigeria's air pollution problem is the fourth worst in the world, with the country facing a variety of environmental issues. Rapid industrialization, a growing population, and an increase in unregulated emissions have all contributed to the country's poor air quality. The problem is particularly severe in Lagos, the largest and most densely populated city in Nigeria and Africa. In February 2021, Lagos recorded PM2.5 readings ranging from lows of 18.1 μg/m³ to highs of 78.7 μg/m³ in a single day, indicating "unhealthy" air quality.

Nigeria's air pollution crisis has resulted in severe health consequences, with the country experiencing the highest number of air pollution-related pneumonia deaths among children under five globally. According to UNICEF, nearly 185 children under five die daily from pneumonia caused by air pollution, with the majority of these deaths occurring due to household air pollution from cooking over open fires or using inefficient stoves. Overall, air pollution contributed to approximately 30% of all pneumonia deaths in the country in 2019.

Nigeria's air pollution problem has multiple causes. Vehicular emissions are a significant contributor, with many older vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks, lorries, and buses utilizing outdated engines that leak noxious oil vapors and emit dangerous fumes. The country's rapid industrialization, including the establishment of manufacturing industries, oil refineries, and factories, has also led to increased atmospheric pollutants. Generator fumes, crop burning, and the burning of solid waste in neighborhoods further exacerbate the problem.

In recent years, Nigeria has taken steps to address its air pollution crisis. The country has been a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) since 2012 and developed a National Action Plan to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) in 2019. This plan aims to reduce emissions of black carbon, methane, and other air pollutants, with the goal of achieving an overall reduction in air pollution exposure of 22% by 2030. Nigeria has also updated its National Policy on the Environment, which includes strategies for regulating air quality, establishing air control zones, and monitoring major industrial air polluters.

Air pollution is a leading cause of fatalities in Nigeria

Nigeria has some of the highest rates of unhealthy air quality on the African continent. The country's cities contain the most polluted air on the continent, with 10 urban areas being classified on a list of 30 cities in Africa with the most unhealthy air quality.

Nigeria's fast population growth and rapid industrialization have led to a rise in air pollution. The country has many manufacturing industries, oil refineries, and factories that contribute to the pollution problem. In addition, the lack of development in rural areas has caused a high population migration to urban areas, further increasing environmental-related problems.

The Nigerian government has taken some steps to address the air pollution crisis. In 2019, the National Environmental Standards Regulations and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) began working to halve air pollution by ensuring environmental compliance and enforcement. The country also published a National Action Plan to Reduce SLCPs, which aims to reduce emissions of pollutants such as methane and black carbon. However, more needs to be done to reduce the major causes of air pollution-related deaths, especially among children, who are particularly vulnerable.

The high rate of particulate matter pollution in Nigeria is of great concern. A study conducted in selected municipal areas found that the levels of PM2.5 and PM10 were above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, indicating poor and unhealthy air quality. The inhabitants of the studied areas are at a high risk of reduced life expectancy due to long-term exposure.

Vehicular emissions are a consistent cause of air pollution

Air pollution is a pressing issue in Nigeria, with a range of causes, from human activities to natural disasters. One of the most pervasive and consistent causes of pollution in Nigeria is vehicular emissions. This is a problem that affects the entire country and the world at large, and it is especially prominent in densely populated areas.

Nigeria's large population of aged automobiles, including cars, motorbikes, trucks, lorries, and buses, contributes significantly to this issue. These older vehicles are more likely to have poorer quality engines, which can leak noxious oil vapours and emit dangerous fumes that pose health risks to commuters and residents near busy roads. The combustion of fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, releases various toxic pollutants through vehicle exhaust systems.

One of the primary pollutants from vehicular emissions is particulate matter (PM), which includes soot. These fine particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and pose serious health threats. Another pollutant is volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which, in the presence of sunlight and nitrogen oxides, form ground-level ozone, a major component of smog. Ground-level ozone irritates the respiratory system and can cause coughing, choking, and reduced lung capacity.

Additionally, carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, and poisonous gas emitted from vehicles, primarily those powered by fossil fuels. When inhaled, CO blocks oxygen from reaching vital organs like the brain and heart. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is another pollutant produced by burning sulfur-containing fuels, especially in older diesel vehicles and coal-powered plants. These emissions can react in the atmosphere to form fine particles, posing significant health risks, especially to children and asthmatics.

To address vehicular emissions and improve air quality, Nigeria has implemented various measures. The National Environmental Standards Regulations and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has been working to halve air pollution by enforcing environmental compliance. Additionally, Nigeria's 2021 NDC update includes emission reduction objectives for carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and nitrous oxides. The country also aims to develop a national policy on soot-free buses and deploy electric buses to further reduce emissions.

Nigeria's air pollution is causing the most air pollution-related pneumonia deaths of children under-five in the world

Nigeria has been facing a growing air pollution problem, which has been causing a range of health issues and deaths. The country's rapid industrialization, oil exploration, manufacturing industries, and population growth have all contributed to the increase in air pollution. In 2019, Nigeria was ranked as the fourth most polluted country in the world.

Lagos, the largest and most densely populated city in Nigeria and Africa, provides a stark illustration of the country's severe pollution levels. In February 2021, Lagos recorded PM2.5 readings ranging from lows of 18.1 μg/m³ to highs of 78.7 μg/m³ in a single day. These readings indicate "unhealthy" air quality levels, which can have detrimental effects on the population's health.

Nigeria's air pollution crisis has had a devastating impact on the country's children, particularly those under five years old. According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the highest number of overall air pollution-related pneumonia deaths among children under five worldwide. In 2019, there were 67,416 deaths of children under five due to overall air pollution-related pneumonia, with 49,591 of those deaths attributed to household-specific air pollution.

Household air pollution, including the use of solid fuels and cooking over open fires or cookstoves, is a significant contributor to the high rate of pneumonia deaths in Nigeria. Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, emphasized that the vast majority of these deaths are preventable. He urged the Nigerian government to introduce policies addressing the major causes of air pollution-related pneumonia, such as increasing access to clean cooking fuels and technologies and improving nutrition, vaccine coverage, and breastfeeding rates.

To address the air pollution crisis, Nigeria has taken several steps. The country has been a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) since 2012 and developed a National Action Plan to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs). This plan aims to reduce various air pollutants and achieve an overall reduction in air pollution exposure by 22% by 2030. Additionally, the National Environmental Standards Regulations and Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has been working to halve air pollution by enforcing environmental compliance.

Nigeria's government is taking steps to reduce air pollution

Nigeria has been a partner of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) since 2012, and through this partnership, the country has received support for various initiatives to reduce air pollution. In 2019, Nigeria's National Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Action Plan was approved by the Federal Executive Council of Ministers, with a focus on the agriculture sector. The plan aims to reduce open burning of crop residues and implement methane-reducing strategies, such as intermittent aeration of rice paddy fields. This plan is expected to result in significant reductions in methane and black carbon emissions, contributing to an overall reduction in air pollution exposure.

The Nigerian government has also taken steps to regulate air quality through the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). In 2019, NESREA began working to halve air pollution by enforcing environmental compliance. Additionally, they have implemented the National Vehicular Emissions Control Programme (NVECP), which establishes vehicle emission testing centres and requires annual testing of vehicles for toxic emissions.

Nigeria has also adopted cleaner fuel and vehicle standards, including the introduction of emission standards equivalent to Euro 2, and efforts to phase out leaded gasoline. The government has set goals to reduce emissions from gas flaring and has implemented a gas flare commercialisation programme. While Nigeria did not meet its initial target of eliminating routine flaring by 2020, it has made significant progress, reducing flaring to only 10% of extracted gas.

To address the issue of fuel sources, the Nigerian government expanded the Green Bond Programme in 2019, which aims to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. This programme includes initiatives such as solar energy projects and national afforestation programmes, contributing to a transition towards a low-carbon economy.

The government has also recognised the impact of industrial activities on air pollution. In 2016, Nigeria revised the National Policy on the Environment, which includes strategies such as designating National Air Control Zones, licensing and registering major industrial air polluters, and establishing standards for fuel additives.

Overall, Nigeria is taking a range of measures to reduce air pollution, including regulating emissions, promoting cleaner energy sources, and addressing agricultural and industrial sources of pollution. These steps are crucial to improving the air quality and public health in the country.

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