The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, says that vehicular emissions are the greatest contributor to air pollution in Nigeria.
He made this statement in Abuja on Saturday at a ceremony to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, observed annually on September 7.
“Like most parts of the world, vehicular emissions are the primary source of air pollution.
“This issue is exacerbated in our country by the numerous old, second-hand, and third-hand vehicles on our roads,” he said.
Salako identified other sources of air pollution to include industrial activities, illegal refining, gas flaring, refuse burning, household cooking and power generation.
He emphasised the need to improve air quality, citing global concerns about air pollution as the world’s single largest environmental health risk.
The minister praised President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to promote alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and electric vehicles, to enhance air quality.
He warned that failing to address air pollution would have far-reaching consequences for public health, the economy, and the environment.
Salako assured Nigerians that the government would implement measures, including tariffs and taxes, to discourage the importation of old vehicles and encourage local manufacturing.
He noted that the day aimed to raise awareness about the importance of clean air for human and environmental health, productivity, and economic growth.
The minister appealed for collective investment in clean air, citing the global agenda to reduce air pollutants by 50 per cent by 2030.
“For us to be healthy, we must breathe healthy air. Let us all invest in clean air now,” he urged.
NAN
