‘Air pollution: Nigeria must take immediate action to save lives – Expert’ 6 June 2019

Dr Ibrahim Choji, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDeVNet), a Civil Society Network says Nigeria must take immediate action on air pollution to save lives.  Choi made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja to commemorate the 2019 World Environment Day, which was marked on June 5. “The day is celebrated yearly as a day for encouraging international awareness and action to protect the environment. “It presents a veritable opportunity to call upon the Nigerian government, industries, communities and individuals to take action to explore renewable energy and green technologies, improve air quality in cities and villages across Nigeria.

“This year’s theme: ‘Beating Air Pollution’ is apt as air pollution is a deadly, man-made problem and responsible for the early deaths of about seven million people every year, and about 600,000 are children.’’ He said that CSDevNet considered uncontaminated air, clean water, adequate sanitation and a non-toxic environment as core components of the right to healthy living, which the Nigerian constitution upholds. “The right to a healthy environment is fundamental to human wellbeing 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.’’

…The CSO also suggested the creation of the required minimum enabling environment capable of supporting the shift to cleaner mobility and energy choices. “Advance the renewable energy agenda with emphasis on liberalising energy generation and transmission thereby boosting local manufacturing options. “Stringently regulate the importation of used vehicles as a means for the country to quickly shift to cleaner mobility. “Promote sustainable transport infrastructure by integrating cleaner mobility in national and state development strategies.’’ According to Choji, these measures will go a very long way in changing the dynamics of environmental degradation in Nigeria for the better.