– Air pollution ranks among Nigeria’s top health threats
– Experts call for urgent policy reforms and enforcement
– Major cities exceed WHO air quality limits by wide margins
Environmental experts are sounding the alarm over Nigeria’s escalating air pollution crisis, urging policymakers to implement urgent reforms to protect public health. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria’s annual mean PM2.5 concentration stands at 72 µg/m³, significantly surpassing the recommended limit of 10 µg/m³. Cities like Onitsha, Aba, Kaduna, and Umuahia rank among the most polluted globally due to high levels of particulate matter.
Key contributors to this pollution include emissions from old vehicles, industrial activities, widespread use of generators, and the burning of waste and biomass. Indoor air pollution from cooking with firewood and kerosene in poorly ventilated spaces further exacerbates the problem.
Health experts link air pollution to a surge in respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and stroke. They advocate for stricter emission regulations, improved waste management, and a transition to cleaner energy sources. Without immediate action, Nigeria risks a worsening public health crisis and increased environmental degradation.
