Environment

Air pollution: Nigeria must take immediate action to save lives – Expert

Published

5 years ago

June 6, 2019

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDeVNet), a Civil Society Network Dr Ibrahim Choji has said that Nigeria must take immediate action on air pollution to save lives.

Choi made the call in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja to commemorate the 2019 World Environment Day, which was marked on June 5.

“The day is celebrated yearly as a day for encouraging international awareness and action to protect the environment.

“It presents a veritable opportunity to call upon the Nigerian government, industries, communities and individuals to take action to explore renewable energy and green technologies, improve air quality in cities and villages across Nigeria.

“This year’s theme: ‘Beating Air Pollution’ is apt as air pollution is a deadly, man-made problem and responsible for the early deaths of about seven million people every year, and about 600,000 are children.’’

He said that CSDevNet considered uncontaminated air, clean water, adequate sanitation and a non-toxic environment as core components of the right to healthy living, which the Nigerian constitution upholds.

“The right to a healthy environment is fundamental to human wellbeing and it must be nationally reaffirmed to ensure the enjoyment of this right by every Nigerian everywhere.

“The air quality in Nigeria is more likely to cause harm than the air in any other country in Africa as the country currently has the highest burden of fatalities from air pollution in the continent, and the fourth highest in the world.’’

According to him, the annual State of the Global Air Report published by the Health Effects Institute (HEI) reckons that air quality in Nigeria is among the deadliest anywhere on earth.

“It is higher than ambient air pollution death rates as a result of the environmental hazards combined with extreme pollution sources such as soot, gas flaring, generator fumes, vehicle emissions and crop burning among others.’’

Choji said that Nigeria was currently at a crossroad when it came to renewable energy and clean mobility.

“On the one hand, the country has one of the lowest on-grid energy consumption levels in the world, while on the other, the country is facing one of the fastest vehicle growth rates.

“It is grappling with mobility challenges in terms of congestion costs, air pollution and its impact on health, inadequate infrastructure and costs to the economy.

“The above leaves the country with no option than to take decisive actions capable of engendering a cleaner, more sustainable, low carbon emission pathway.

“If the Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP) of the government and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement are to be realised.’’

To address these challenges and map out a cleaner pathway for Nigeria, CSDevNet therefore urged the Federal Government to take action on implement and enforce strictly.

“Government should also take action on the existing National Ambient Air Quality Standards, tax every form of pollution including vehicular, gas flaring, and bush burning.

“End fossil fuel subsidies and oil prospecting activities in northern Nigeria, and halt the seeming embrace of coal and nuclear sources for energy.’’

The CSO also suggested the creation of the required minimum enabling environment capable of supporting the shift to cleaner mobility and energy choices

“Advance the renewable energy agenda with emphasis on liberalising energy generation and transmission thereby boosting local manufacturing options.

“Stringently regulate the importation of used vehicles as a means for the country to quickly shift to cleaner mobility.

“Promote sustainable transport infrastructure by integrating cleaner mobility in national and state development strategies.’’

According to Choji, these measures will go a very long way in changing the dynamics of environmental degradation in Nigeria for the better.

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Environment

Earthic Energy To Establish Solar Manufacturing Factory In Nigeria

Published

6 months ago

May 26, 2024

The Gleamer

By Uche Onyeali

Indigenous clean energy company, Earthic Energy Limited has disclosed plans to set up a solar energy manufacturing factory in Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer of the company, Miss Blessing Anulika Achebe gave the hint during the launch of the company in Abuja, at the weekend.

Miss Achebe, who disclosed that she has been in the solar energy business for five years, said though the journey had not been easy, but she and her partners are focused towards achieving the set goals of the company.

According to her, “The journey so far has not been easy, but I have been working with utmost determination, when I make up my mind to do something, I put in my best and God’s grace will always pave way for you with hard work.

“I have worked so hard to get to where I want to be today. I have tried so hard to make all my dreams come true. Like I said earlier, with the mercy of God everything has come to pass.”

On how she could cope with the competition in the sector, Achebe noted that her firm does not admit any factor that could stand as drawback, as a lot of women are already making waves in various sectors of the economy.

“Our determination is unhindered, though we acknowledge such competition as it paves the way for more resilience. Women are now taking over the world.

“I have been into solar for more than five years. Right now I have been pushing so hard and I see how the world is evolving around energy.

“I have made up my mind that said this is what I want to do. I said if I don’t get to where I want to be, there is no going back; I would go above the limit. I want to change lives; I want to make the world a better place. That is why I came up with ‘Earthic Energy Limited’ because the world revolves around the earth. The earth is where we live and that is why my colour is green and sun yellow. So I want to power the whole world.
“Our plan is to set up a solar energy factory in Nigeria where we can manufacture our own products,” she said.

She called for more investors and government at all levels to take advantage of Earthic’s services, which include solar streetlight installation, inverter/grid installation, construction, training/empowerment, as well as contract financing and partnership, supply/credit sales.

Speaking at the occasion, a Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Zaruwa commended Miss Achebe for her vision and bold step into the clean energy sub-sector.
Professor Zaruwa, a former Vice Chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi, urged government at all levels, especially governors in the northern part of the country where there is enormous sun, to partner Earthic Energy to improve power supply in the country.

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