Nigeria has rolled out fresh initiatives to curb air pollution and safeguard public health as the nation joined the world in marking the third International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Abuja.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal described air pollution as the “leading environmental health risk” globally.
He noted that it kills more than seven million people every year, more than malaria and HIV/AIDS combined.
“Nigeria shares this burden,” the minister warned. He linked the problem to strokes, heart disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, cataracts, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Lawal identified bush burning, vehicular emissions, and gas flaring as Nigeria’s biggest pollution drivers. He stressed that these practices threaten both human health and ecosystems unless urgent action is taken.
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The minister highlighted several steps the Federal Ministry of Environment is taking in partnership with other agencies and private stakeholders:
- Transition to Low-Sulphur Fuels: Nigeria has revised its petroleum product standards to meet AFRI IV specifications, which will soon take effect.
- Tackling Vehicular Emissions: The Tinubu administration is discouraging the importation of old cars, boosting local manufacturing, and supporting cleaner fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
- Green Transition Projects: The Government has approved a Green Hydrogen Project with UNIDO and plans to gradually introduce hydrogen and electric vehicles.
- Mass Transport Solutions: Authorities are prioritizing rail, waterways, and efficient mass transit systems to cut reliance on polluting cars.
- Testing Framework: States will set up vehicle emissions testing centres in line with global standards.
Youth-Led Campaigns and Public Awareness
Furthermore, Lawal launched the National Policy on Air Quality Management and a youth-focused campaign under the hashtag #BreatheEasyNigeria.
“With the support of the Pediatric Association of Nigeria, UNDP, and other partners, we are engaging young people whose fragile lungs deserve protection,” he said.
To expand awareness, the Ministry’s Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health signed an MoU with the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria. The agreement will extend clean air campaigns to all 774 Local Government Areas.
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The minister reminded Nigerians that the global goal is to cut air pollution by 50 per cent by 2030. He emphasized that citizens must also take responsibility by making lifestyle choices that lower indoor and outdoor emissions.
“Together let us embrace sustainable practices, advocate for cleaner technologies, and inspire our communities to take action,” Lawal urged. “With collective effort, we can build a future where every Nigerian breathes clean, safe, and healthy air under truly blue skies.”
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.
