AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM IN NIGERIAN MAJOR CITIES: A WAKE UP CALL

AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM IN NIGERIAN MAJOR CITIES: A WAKE UP CALL

                                  By Yakubu Ibrahim Omale

        Air pollution which is the introduction into the air of any substance different from any of its natural constituents or the undesirable changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the atmosphere that subsequently results in denudation of its natural qualities is one of the major environmental problem in the country that has been neglected over the years. Air pollution affects local weather and climate and plays an important role in the energy balance of the ecosystem. The effects of air pollution are slow and unnoticeable but rather disastrous than we expect, as there are evidence that air pollution is an important factor in certain respiratory and lung diseases which subsequently leads to death.

         In Nigeria, only little or no effort has been made in the fight for a clean air. The Government’s efforts on the environment focus only on solid wastes. The use of outdated machines in factories coupled with the large scale use of generator sets as direct substitute for unstable electricity from government supplies in residents, offices, business centers and factories in addition to the large numbers of vehicles found on our roads is compounding the air pollution problem.

        Air pollution is caused primarily through the emission of pollutants especially from burning of fuels. We are all aware of the huge number of manufacturing industries in many towns of the country; all of which make use of fuels and thereafter emits pollutants into the air. The rapid increase in the number of vehicles in the country, especially in the cities is alarming and definitely contributes to the air pollution problem. Also because of the unstable nature and inconsistencies recorded by the power sector over power supply, most residents, shops, offices (both Government and private owned) and factories are usually seen with standby generating sets. Other causes of air pollution in the country which could be termed secondary include bush burning which is relatively popular in rural areas among local farmers and hunters especially during the dry season. The use of firewood for cooking as a result of high prices for kerosene and gas is also a secondary cause of air pollution in Nigeria.

         Notably, majority of all the causes of air pollution in the country are by careless human activities which could be checked. Over 80% of Nigerian industries discharge gaseous effluent directly into the environment without treatment. Although, only little qualitative information on the extent of air pollution on a national scale is available but the data that exist points to a growing problem that threatens the health and well being of Nigerians.

Air pollution has a wide range of mostly adverse effects on plants, man and his properties. Apart from its effects on weather, climate and energy balance it also reduces visibility and causes adverse effects on transportation. It is responsible for certain respiratory and lung diseases which include chronic bronchitis and its complications; and also related to influenza, lung cancer, asthma, and pulmonary heart disease. Air pollution can lead to acid rain formation which can cause corrosion in buildings. It also contributes to global environmental problems like global warming and ozone layer depletion. Space cannot allow me to go on and on in emphasizing the dreadful effects of air pollution. I use this opportunity to call on the Federal government and all its MDAs that have anything to do with the environment, State Governments and Non Governmental Organizations that are interested in the control of air pollution to please stand up and face reality.“The air in most Nigerian towns is dirty and unhealthy”. It is true that we can’t stop polluting the air, but at least we can reduce or control it level.

         Controlling air pollution depends on the effort of not only the government but also scientists, industrial owners and workers, environmental organizations and individuals. Government’s effort should come through enacting and executing laws to protect the air. Industrial owners should always bear in mind that it makes good business sense to pollute less. Individual effort starts with the awareness, then try as much as possible to conserve energy because conserving energy reduces air pollution created by power plants. Try to plant a tree or two for it will certainly make a difference. In conclusion the most important way to fight air pollution is to learn as much as possible how our actions affects the environment and make amends where necessary; it is only then we can make intelligent choices that will reduce air pollution in Nigeria.