The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) air quality monitoring stations nationwide are in deplorable state, jeopardizing the agency?s ability to fulfill its critical mandate effectively.

This was discovered after a comprehensive audit exercise of NiMet?s air quality monitoring stations published at its website.

The audit which was commissioned earlier in the year by NiMet management headed by the DG/CEO, Prof. Charles Anosike, concluded that; ?NiMet?s air quality monitoring stations nationwide are in a deplorable state and that the comprehensive audit exercise was aimed to evaluate the operational status and condition of seven critical air quality monitoring stations strategically located across the country in Sokoto, Kano, Maiduguri, Yola, Enugu, Lagos, and Abuja.

"These facilities, representing a substantial financial investment by the agency, are pivotal in monitoring air quality and providing essential data to support environmental policies and public health initiatives nationwide.

"The atmospheric air quality of most urban cities continues to remain exposed to poorly managed vehicular traffic from ineffective fuel combustion. Also, vehicles with unacceptable emission standards clog the streets, oozing impurities unchecked.

"Alternatively, compressed natural gas emits significantly lower levels of greenhouse gases and air pollutants compared to petrol and diesel, making it a cleaner fuel option.

"The economic advantages of CNG are undeniable. It is considerably cheaper than petrol and diesel, leading to substantial cost savings for consumers and businesses. CNG adoption could help mitigate environmental impacts paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future for Nigeria.

"Experts have advised that relevant agencies should work towards using CNG as an alternative to petrol and diesel in vehicles. Alternative energy sources can also be used to reduce the need for generators in households."

According to the report on ?The state of air quality and its effects on health in Africa? recently produced by the State of Global Air initiative, air pollution is the second most common risk factor for death in Africa.

Air quality expert, Yemi Adeyemo, said: ?The right to a healthy environment is fundamental to human well-being and it must be nationally reaffirmed to ensure the enjoyment of this right by every Nigerian everywhere.

?The air quality in Nigeria is more likely to cause harm than the air in any other country in Africa as the country currently has the highest burden of fatalities from air pollution in the continent, and the fourth highest in the world.?

Experts weigh in?

Many states lack accessible air quality monitoring data, making it difficult to understand the severity of the problem and benchmark trends.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, recently argued that climate change in Nigeria has reduced air quality and worsened air pollution, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases among citizens.

Similarly, different experts who spoke with our correspondent, linked air contamination to maladies such as respiratory, cardiovascular, and systemic inflammation, and an increase to the risk of developing cancer.

This type of pollution has been said to be more lethal than unsanitary hygiene practices and malnutrition.

They advised that there should be a massive and collaborative effort to increase tree-planting activities across the state to improve air quality.

Also, such remedial measures should also be adopted by the other 35 states.

Air quality expert, Bola Adebisi, said: ?Air pollution is the second biggest risk factor for premature death in Africa. This is unacceptable. We need to address air pollution now. Various state governments must put clean air at the top of their agendas now?

He stressed that one major obstacle to tackling dirty air is the cost, especially given a lack of funding.

For Oladoyin Odubanjo, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Academy of Science, he argued that fumes from open-air cooking and emissions produced by vehicles in urban areas like Lagos, Nigeria?s largest city and commercial hub, are major sources of pollution, predisposing many to respiratory complications.

Michael Oreyomi, a Health, Safety and Environment Advisor emphasised that: ?Public enlightenment and education about the causes and effects of air pollution should be embarked upon by the government.

?Also, there should also be stringent enforcement of traffic laws/regulations on traffic violators/offenders regarding air pollution.?

Professor of Chemical Engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Osun State, Jacob Sonibare, lamented the lack of data on Nigeria air quality status.

He noted that the development portends danger for the country.

Sonibare in his inaugural lecture, ?Air Pollution Control Lacuna in Nigeria: The Intervention of a Chemical Engineer,? a copy obtained by our correspondent, explained that the unavailability of the data has made it impossible to make a categorical statement on the air quality status in the country.

The don further stated that for Nigeria to continue to participate in the global quest for sustainable development goals there was a need for the country to commission national air quality campaigns.

According to him, commissioning national air quality campaigns would help in generating reliable data for the country?s air quality status description regularly.

Aligning with Sonibare?s position, some other experts believe that investments in cleaner transportation systems, energy-efficient housing, power generation, and better industrial waste management can help to reduce key sources of air pollution.

Also, the execution of environmentally friendly practices in Nigeria will help decrease the air pollution crisis in Nigeria that is present in businesses and the outside environment. In order for the elimination of air pollution to be effective, the country must pursue the regulations for all Nigerians. (The Nation)

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