The air pollution problem in Nigeria presents an increasing menace to public welfare, as it causes multiple serious health conditions and accelerates mortality rates.

Air pollution exists as an invisible threat which produces extensive and deep healthcare consequences.

Health impacts of air pollution

The inhaling of polluted air leads to respiratory infections besides triggering cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer development.

In 2019, air pollution was the third leading risk factor for premature death in Nigeria, accounting for nearly 198,000 fatalities, which is approximately 12 percent of all deaths in the country.

Children are particularly vulnerable; in 2019, Nigeria had the highest number of air pollution-related child pneumonia deaths globally.

Air pollution contributed to 30 percent of all pneumonia deaths that year, with 40 percent of these deaths occurring in children under five.

Sources of air pollution

Several factors contribute to Nigeria’s air quality crisis.

Industrial emissions

The Niger Delta region has suffered from decades of oil spills, severely damaging the environment and affecting the livelihoods and health of millions in local communities.

Vehicle emissions

The expanding vehicle population containing numerous outdated vehicles that run in inadequate condition releases huge amounts of pollutants, which multiply urban pollution challenges.

Household air pollution

When people cook with solid fuels inside unventilated kitchens, it causes indoor pollution that poses severe health risks mainly to women and children.

Environmental and economic consequences

Beyond health implications, air pollution adversely affects the environment and economy.

Environmental degradation occurs because of these pollutants, thus affecting agricultural sectors and biodiversity zones.

The nationwide healthcare expenses needed to treat pollution ailments along with diminished productivity from sick patients, create substantial financial strain on national resources

Mitigation efforts and challenges

Various systematic approaches need to be implemented for effective air pollution management in Nigeria.

Policy implementation

Responsible organizations must execute current environmental rules while working on fresh policies that limit industrial and vehicle pollution emissions.

Public awareness

The population needs to learn about pollution hazards while the government must support pollution-reducing measures like selecting cleaner cooking alternatives.

Infrastructure development

Public transportation along with cleaner power solutions should receive investments from governments, to decrease dependence on contaminated technology systems.

However, challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of political will, and insufficient public awareness hinder these efforts.

Conclusion

The danger from air pollution functions as a hidden menace throughout Nigeria because it intensifies harmful effects on citizens’ health as well as national development progress.

The entire public health of upcoming generations needs protection through immediate and long-term solutions, to overcome this threat.