Air Pollution In Nigeria: Understanding The Root Causes

Air pollution is a significant issue in Nigeria, causing a growing number of health issues and deaths annually. In 2017, approximately 114,000 people died prematurely from air pollution in the country, with about 70,000 of those being infants. The main causes of air pollution in Nigeria include vehicle emissions, industrial emissions, generator usage, and open burning of waste. The country has taken steps to address this issue by committing to reducing short-lived climate pollutants and aiming to reduce air pollutants by 35%, which could prevent 30,000 premature deaths every year.

Vehicular emissions

Road transport, including the high volume of diesel trucks, is the primary source of PM 2.5 in Lagos, a city already struggling with energy demands met largely by generators. The inadequate waste infrastructure in the city further exacerbates the problem, as open burning of waste and illegal dumping add to the toxic emissions.

The Nigerian government has recognized the urgency of the situation, committing to ambitious targets for reducing pollutants such as carbon, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, particulate matter (PM 2.5), and nitrous oxides (NOx). These targets, outlined in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aim for a 60% reduction in fugitive methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2031 and overall reductions of black carbon by 42%, methane by 28%, and HFCs by 2% by 2030.

To address vehicular emissions specifically, the adoption of low-emission vehicles and cleaner fuels is proposed. However, it is acknowledged that no single action can solve the challenges faced by high energy consumption megacities like Lagos, and that a range of options must be implemented simultaneously for effective change.

Poor waste management

The inadequate waste infrastructure in Lagos is not only a result of poor waste management practices but also the high population density and limited waste management resources. With a large and growing population, the city struggles to keep up with the increasing waste generation, leading to improper disposal methods. This is evident in the large number of diesel trucks seeking access to the ports, causing heavy congestion and contributing to air pollution.

The open burning of waste is a common practice in areas with inadequate waste management systems. Without proper collection and disposal services, residents resort to burning their garbage, releasing harmful toxins and particulate matter into the air. This particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, has been found to exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines in selected regions of Nigeria, posing significant health risks to the population.

The illegal dumping of waste is another consequence of poor waste management. Due to the lack of proper waste disposal sites and collection services, people often dump their waste in unauthorized locations, such as vacant lots, rivers, or other public spaces. This illegal dumping contributes to soil pollution, water pollution, and air pollution, as the decomposing waste releases harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere.

To address the issue of poor waste management and its impact on air pollution, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes investing in waste management infrastructure, such as proper landfills, recycling facilities, and waste-to-energy technologies. Additionally, educating the public about the importance of proper waste disposal and promoting recycling and waste reduction practices can help reduce the amount of waste generated and improve disposal methods.

Industrial emissions

One of the primary sources of industrial emissions in Lagos is the heavy use of diesel generators. The city's unreliable power sector has led to a situation where about half of Lagos's total energy demand is met by generators, which emit harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and particulate matter (PM2.5). The poor combustion of gasoline and lubricating oil used in these generators further exacerbates the problem, releasing toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.

The industrial sector itself also contributes significantly to emissions. Various industries, including the oil and gas sector, emit pollutants such as methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Nigeria has recognized the need to regulate these emissions and has committed to reducing them through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Specifically, the country has targeted a 60% reduction in fugitive methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2031, with expected reductions in black carbon and HFCs as well.

In addition to the energy and industrial sectors, road transport is another significant source of industrial emissions in Nigeria. The number of vehicles in Lagos has increased rapidly, leading to high emissions from road transport. Old and inefficient vehicles, as well as the heavy use of highly polluting diesel trucks, contribute to the poor air quality. To address this issue, the country is considering the adoption of low-emission vehicles and cleaner fuels, which could significantly reduce transport-related emissions.

Overall, industrial emissions in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos, are a complex issue influenced by various factors. Addressing these emissions will require a comprehensive approach that includes improving energy infrastructure, regulating industrial emissions, and promoting sustainable transport options. By taking these actions, Nigeria can significantly improve its air quality and reduce the health risks associated with industrial emissions.

Generator usage

Nigeria's large population and unreliable power sector have led to a heavy dependence on backup generators. In Lagos, about half of the city's energy demand is met by generators, which are the third-largest source of PM 2.5 emissions in the city. Large diesel generators are used in institutional, commercial, and housing sites, while small generators are prevalent in households and small businesses. The poor combustion of gasoline and lubricating oil used in generators pollutes the air and causes significant health issues as they are operated in close proximity to people.

The use of generators, along with road transport and industrial emissions, are the top three sources of PM 2.5 in Lagos. The number of vehicles in Lagos has almost quadrupled in the last decade, leading to high congestion and pollution. Old generators contribute to pollution, but they cannot be decommissioned without alternative power sources in place. The World Bank is working with the Lagos authorities to improve air quality, and one proposed solution is the adoption of low-emission vehicles with cleaner fuels.

The dispersion pattern of particulate matter in the air was studied, and it was found that it takes almost 12 hours for released particulate matter to fully disperse, with the majority of particles found within a 100m range. The AQI levels of PM 2.5 in Lagos ranged from 65.13 to 927.07, indicating poor and unhealthy air quality. The inhabitants of these areas are at high risk of health issues due to particulate matter exposure, which may lead to reduced life expectancy over time.

The Nigerian government has recognized the need to reduce SLCPs (short-lived climate pollutants) and carbon emissions to combat climate change and air pollution. Nigeria's National Action Plan to Reduce SLCPs includes 22 steps for mitigation, with specific targets for the oil and gas sector to reduce methane emissions. If these commitments are achieved, air pollutants could be reduced by 35%, potentially preventing 30,000 premature deaths annually from issues such as heart disease, lung cancer, and asthma.

High levels of methane

Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, has been taking steps to address its air pollution problem, which has been causing a growing number of health issues and deaths over the years. One of the significant contributors to air pollution in Nigeria is the high levels of methane, which have severe implications for the environment, climate, and public health.

Methane (CH4) emissions in Nigeria reached a record high in 1996, surpassing 327 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). While Nigeria's methane emissions have since seen an overall downward trend, reaching approximately 235 MtCO2e in 2022, the country remains among the largest methane emitters globally. This issue is exacerbated by the fact that methane has over 80 times the warming potency of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making it a significant contributor to global warming.

The main sources of methane emissions in Nigeria are the oil and gas sector, waste sector, and agricultural activities. In recognition of the urgency to address this issue, Nigeria has become a leader in the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) and is committed to reducing methane emissions. Specifically, Nigeria has included methane reduction targets in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), aiming for a 60% reduction in fugitive methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 2031. Additionally, the country is taking steps to reduce methane emissions from the waste sector by 10% through institutional expansion and "waste to wealth" schemes.

Despite these efforts, Nigeria faces several challenges in effectively mitigating and reducing methane emissions. These challenges include technical limitations, such as inadequate data and infrastructure for leak detection, as well as economic barriers, such as the high costs of mitigation technologies. However, the country remains dedicated to its climate action goals, and its efforts are expected to potentially avert 30,000 air pollution deaths every year.

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