Health and environmental experts are sounding a dire alarm over the severe public health risks caused by deteriorating air quality in Nigeria's major cities. They warn that toxic emissions from vehicles, industries, and generators are directly fueling a surge in life-threatening respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The Deadly Toll of Polluted Air in Major Cities
Residents in urban centres like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Aba are consistently breathing air contaminated by a dangerous mix of sources. These include chronic traffic congestion, widespread use of diesel generators, industrial discharges, open burning of waste, and construction dust. Citing data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the experts revealed a staggering statistic: air pollution is responsible for more than 114,000 premature deaths in Nigeria every year, making it one of the country's most critical environmental health threats.
The crisis manifests differently across regions. In Lagos, roadside pollution levels have been measured at up to five times above safe limits. Port Harcourt remains gripped by a persistent and hazardous soot crisis. Kano has seen a direct correlation between rising vehicle numbers and increasing cases of childhood asthma. Meanwhile, Aba records some of the highest concentrations of roadside pollution in southern Nigeria.
Health and Economic Consequences Are Severe
According to Associate Professor Sadiq Sani, Founder and CEO of Netzence Sustainability Limited, and the company's COO, Idia Ogedegbe, the health impact is gradual and devastating. Prolonged exposure leads to chronic coughs, asthma, heart disease, and ultimately reduces life expectancy. This influx of pollution-related illnesses places an immense strain on Nigeria's already overstretched healthcare systems.
The economic fallout is equally massive. The World Bank estimates that illnesses and lost productivity linked to pollution cost Nigeria over $6 billion each year. "When workers fall ill, productivity drops. When families spend more on healthcare, disposable income disappears," Ogedegbe emphasized. He stressed that air pollution is not merely an environmental issue but a profound public health and economic concern that destabilizes both national health systems and household finances.
Cleaner Transport Offers a Path Forward
The experts identify transport emissions as a primary culprit. "Congested roads, ageing vehicles, and inefficient commuting patterns increase exposure to fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5," explained Sani. This pollutant is directly linked to higher rates of hospital admissions for breathing problems. He noted a critical finding: reducing PM2.5 levels by just 10 micrograms per cubic metre could slash respiratory-related hospital admissions by more than 15 percent.
There is, however, a viable solution pathway. The experts advocate for a sustained shift towards cleaner mobility. Technology-driven approaches like ride-pooling, route optimisation, and promoting fuel-efficient driving can make an immediate difference. Longer-term, the adoption of cleaner fuels such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles is essential. Sani highlighted that such measures would not only improve air quality and public health but could also generate economic benefits through mechanisms like carbon credits.
The consensus is clear: tackling urban air pollution through cleaner transport and reduced congestion would ease the burden on hospitals, lower the rate of pollution-related diseases, and significantly improve the overall quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
