Nigeria is faced with significant air pollution challenges, which kills more than malaria and HIV combined.
The minister of state for environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this at an event to commemorate the second international day of clean air for blue skies held in Abuja.
He pointed that the State of Global Air report, 2024 reveals that, air pollution is the second leading risk factor for premature deaths, resulting about 8.1 million deaths annually from conditions such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute respiratory infections.
Dr Salako who explained that Nigeria is ranked the 3rd most polluted country in Africa by the 2021 World Air Quality Report, said the repercussions of the pollution for public health, economy, and the environment is critical.
Speaking to the theme “Strengthen International Cooperation In Improving Air Quality And Reducing Air Pollution,” Dr Salako said the Federal Ministry of Environment, through its regulatory/enforcement agencies in collaboration with other MDAs, is working to improve the quality of air being inhaled by Nigerians using multifaceted policy instruments, legislations, and programmes.
He said there is need for urgent action to address the current high level of air pollution in the country and the world, particularly the issue of vehicular emission.
The minister noted that about 15,000 clean cookstoves will be distributed in 2024 across the country as part of an initiative being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Environment.