The Federal Government has commissioned a modern Vehicular Emission Testing Centre in Maraba, Nasarawa State, to curb air pollution and protect public health.
The centre emerged through a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nasarawa State Government, and Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Limited. It aims to monitor and regulate harmful emissions from vehicles across the country.
This project falls under Nigeria’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and coincided with the 2025 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari, called air pollution a “silent killer” that harms both people and the environment.
“Air contamination does not discriminate. It affects children, the older people, the rich, the Needy, and even unborn generations,” Lawal said. “With this centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step to regulate emissions, strengthen research, and enforce standards.”
He stressed that the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes environmental health and sustainability.
READ ALSO: FG Denies CNG Price Hike, Blames Private Operators
Other stakeholders shared similar views. Husseini Yayi, Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and Yakubu Muhammed, Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, both pledged their full support.
They agreed that the centre will strengthen environmental enforcement, boost awareness, and improve public health.
Representing Bhustan Energy, Rotimi Olatunji explained how the facility will function.
“This centre will not only measure emissions but also guide policy, enforcement, and awareness. The data generated will be critical to Nigeria’s clean air agenda,” Olatunji said.
According to him, the facility will provide real-time data on vehicle emissions and test several emission parameters.
READ ALSO: Ministry, ECOWAS Celebrate 2025 World Environment Day
The Minister urged vehicle owners to use the facility and adopt routine maintenance. He noted that such practices reduce environmental pollution and improve health.
“Today’s commissioning is not about unveiling a structure it is about unveiling hope,” Lawal said. “Hope for cleaner skies, healthier lungs, and a safer environment.”
With the launch, Nasarawa State will serve as a model for other states as Nigeria prepares to roll out the full National Clean Air Programme.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
