Ministry to establish air quality monitoring stations nationwide

Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako said the Ministry of Environment is actively engaging stakeholders at national and sub-national levels of the country in the development of the National Policy on Air Quality Management, emphasizing the ultimate vision of the Ministry is to establish air quality monitoring stations across the country to generate reliable database on air quality.

Salako disclosed this at the commemoration of the second International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2024, with the theme, “Investment in Clean Air Now,” held recently in Abuja.

The Minister stated that a day is set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to strengthen international cooperation in improving air quality and reducing air pollution, adding that the day is aimed at raising awareness at all levels on the importance of clean air for human and environmental health, productivity and economic growth.

“Globally, there is a growing concern about air pollution and the threat poor air poses to our existence with air pollution now regarded as the world’s single largest environmental health risk. It is estimated that 99% of the world’s population is breathing polluted air with dire consequences for everything we hold dear, “Minister said.

Salako further said the Ministry through its regulatory/enforcement agencies and in collaboration with other MDAs is working to improve the quality of air being inhaled by Nigerians using multifaceted policy instruments, legislations, programmes and projects to regulate, enforce and promote minimum air quality standards.

He stressed that, “The issue of vehicular emission is a major area that we need to deal with in improving our air quality.The government will continue to put measures in place including appropriate tariffs and taxes to discourage the importation of old and rickety vehicles, encourage local manufacturing and assembling of vehicles.

The Minister stressed that the  strategic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR to promote the use of alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas and scale up electric vehicles penetration in our transportation system is a bold initiative that is good for our air quality.

Speaking further, the  Minister reiterated that, the government would  continue to promote mass transportation systems such as trains and rail not only for its cost-effectiveness but in order to reduce cumulative emission from the transport system that pollutes our air and chokes our public health.

He said the Ministry is working with other sister Ministries and Agencies as a matter of urgency  to switch to low-sulphur  while Nigeria Industrial Standards (NIS) for Petroleum Products have been reviewed in line with AFRI IV Standards with the implementation expected to commence soon.

In his opening remark, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Management (HRM), Mrs Mariya Rufai said there is need for more awareness to be created in the society especially for the elderly, women and children who are more vulnerable to air pollution.

Kambari disclosed that air pollution is hazardous to society because it brings a lot of problems to human beings and the well-being of society at large.

He further stated that the commemoration is to help deliberate and find a lasting solution to the environmental challenges bedevilling the country.

“As you are aware, clean Air is very important all over the world because it’s a great enabler for good health, a healthy environment, enhances productivity and a vibrant economy,” he said

“I think we should embark on a more and a wider sensitization or enlightenment campaigns towards educating our people on the dangers and the effect of consequences of air pollution in our society, all these chemicals pollution, soil and water contamination we have in our society are the causes of all these air pollution and as long we don’t take measures to prevent these issues occurring in our society will never have it funny, i think this forum is a good one to help us deliberate on this solutions to our air pollution that is bedeviling our society at large.“ Kambari added.

Similarly, the Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, (ECHON) Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba in his goodwill message tasked Agencies and Departments under the Ministry, to work together to address these challenges while also recognizing the vital importance of clean air to human health and the environment.

“Let us all work together, across all sectors, to support initiatives that ensure our air remains safe, clean, and breathable. Together, we can build a future where blue skies are a lasting legacy.” He advised.

Baba stated that EHCON recognized the vital importance of clean air to our health, environment, and future. He said today’s theme serves as a powerful reminder that investing in clean air is an investment in our communities, economies, and the well-being of future generations.