Problems in Nigeria Pollution in Air/Water

Reasons contributing to the Pollution and other environmental health problems:

The main factors contributing to pollution are a reliance on using solid fuels for cooking,
burning waste and traffic pollution from very old cars.

Unreliable electricity supplies as many Nigerians rely on generators, which spew out
noxious fumes often in unventilated areas.

Car emissions go unregulated.

Levels of pollution increasing due to the rapid economic development and industry
without the right technology.

Oil spills, gas flares, habitat destruction, land degradation are other causes for the
problems.

Deforestation and improper soil tillage causes water pollution.

Sources indicate the following facts Nigeria is facing:

Nigeria is home to city with worst PM10 levels (particulate matter) stated by News
Media Cnn.com.

But an increasingly common sight in Nigeria is that of smog, rubbish and polluted water,
according to a new report.

Four of the worst cities in the world for air pollution are in Nigeria, according to data
released by the World Health Organization (WHO).

An estimated 7 million people were killed by diseases related to indoor and outdoor air
pollution alone in 2012 according to the World Health Organization.

Data for Nigeria included in the newly released Little Green Data Book 2015 indicates
that 94% of the population is exposed to air pollution levels (measured in PM2.5) that
exceed WHO guidelines and air pollution damage costs about 1 percentage post of Gross
National Income.

Preventive Measures/ Sustainable solutions to air Pollution Problems

 National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have
been able to control pollution to some extent particularly in Abuja, the Federal Capital
and should ensure that the industries fully comply with the pollution control regulations.

The ministries of environment and the states environmental protection agencies carry out
various programs on Radio and television, production of posters, pamphlets and leaflets
to educate the people about air pollution and must continue to enlighten people with
information.

Vehicle inspection is an important preventive measure.

Improvement in electric power supply.

Biogas is an alternative energy source that can be promoted for cooking and heating at
home or outdoors.

Effective refuse collection in the urban centers

Strategy taken by World Bank:

The World Bank has already taken a first step in curbing pollution by supporting a rapid bus
system in Lagos that is taking cars off the road and helping to make transportation more efficient.
More must be done to bring about cleaner fuels and safe waste disposal.
Strategy being implemented by World Bank

Improving air quality through the reduction of indoor/outdoor air pollution;

Improving water quality, both in freshwater and in oceans;

Reducing lead poisoning;

Integrated management of waste including hazardous waste management and remediation

of contaminated sites;

Reduction of short lived climate pollutants for climate change mitigation;

Promoting environmental sustainability through cleaner production and pollution

prevention; and

Strengthening environmental institutions by helping countries improve environmental

governance, regulation and enforcement.