The third edition of the POLCON Conference, a significant event focused on environmental sustainability, unfolded with a critical look at the pervasive health hazards posed by air pollution and proposed actionable solutions.
Convened by Wunmi Ogunde, the conference gathered experts and stakeholders to address this pressing issue, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention.
In her compelling welcome address, Wunmi Ogunde highlighted the alarming statistic that air pollution is responsible for 7 to 8 million premature deaths annually.
“The air we breathe has truncated millions of lives,” she asserted, underscoring the grim reality that demands immediate and collective action.
Her theme, “Pathway for a Cleaner Environment,” calls for innovative solutions to enhance public health and mitigate pollution.
Dr. Femi-Idowu Adegoke, a chartered waste and environmental sustainability expert and special assistant to the Minister of Environment, identified key pollution sources, including poorly maintained vehicles and the rampant practice of open waste burning.
He emphasized that air pollution has multiple sources, with toxic emissions being a significant contributor.
“A major concern is the presence of poorly maintained vehicles on our roads, many of which are second-hand or third-hand models that are nearing the end of their operational life,” he stated.
Another critical source of air pollution he highlighted is the open burning of waste, a prevalent and hazardous practice among many Nigerians.
“This widespread activity not only significantly contributes to air pollution but also poses serious health risks, potentially leading to premature death,” he added.
Dr. Adegoke further discussed the intricate relationship between air pollution and climate change. He noted that the emission of certain gases, particularly greenhouse gases, exacerbates the warming of the ozone layer, which in turn triggers climate change.
“This phenomenon results in excessive rainfall, leading to flooding, and contributes to desertification, which threatens food security,” he explained.
He stressed that air pollution extends beyond environmental concerns; it represents an escalating public health crisis driven by urbanization, industrialization, deforestation, and fossil fuel energy consumption.
“Mitigating the impact of air pollution on public health is a collective responsibility. There are pollutants that are invisible yet significantly affect our health. Children, in particular, are at heightened risk of premature death or chronic health issues due to poor air quality,” he warned.
Dr. Adegoke concluded by attributing these challenges to a combination of negligence, irresponsibility, and a lack of adequate social infrastructure. “Addressing these issues requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society,” he urged.
Dr. Oluwaomi Kogo, Managing Director, Iwosan Lagoon Outpatient Clinic & Iwosan Lagoon Wellness Centre, emphasized the importance of public education and awareness in combating air pollution.
“Conferences like this are vital to sensitizing the public about the dangers of air pollution,” she said. She recommended practical measures, such as wearing masks and educating communities about environmental cleanliness.
In her discussion on the key sources of air pollution, Kogo identified generators as a significant contributor, particularly due to inadequate power supply.
“In many areas, particularly densely populated ones, nearly everyone relies on generators,” she stated, describing the situation as both “pathetic and alarming.” These generators emit a substantial amount of harmful gases, which have serious health implications.
“Many people are unaware of the damage these emissions can cause to our health,” she emphasized.
Kogo further noted that cooking gas is another source of air pollution, highlighting the smoke produced by stoves commonly used in households.
“It is essential to establish a dialogue that underscores the severity of these issues, particularly in urban areas where pollution levels are exacerbated by the concentration of industries,” she remarked.
She detailed the health impacts of air pollution, stating, “Air pollution adversely affects the lungs, heart, and brain. It deposits harmful particles in the lungs, leading to chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of stroke and heart attacks. Additionally, it may exacerbate the risk of breast cancer and cause irritation to the eyes and throat.”
Kogo stressed the importance of collective action, asserting, “We cannot leave this issue solely to the government; it is crucial that we create awareness and engage in advocacy campaigns.”
She also highlighted the vulnerability of children to the adverse effects of air pollution.
“Children are particularly susceptible to the long-term consequences of air pollution. For instance, if pregnant women inhale pollutants, it can adversely affect the developing fetus, potentially leading to premature births,” she explained.
Kogo added that children with pre-existing health conditions, such as bronchitis and asthma, are especially at risk, with the situation worsening during the harmattan season.
“We must prioritize their protection,” she concluded, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive awareness and intervention strategies.
Dr Natalie Beinisch, the Executive Director of Circular Economy Innovation Partnership in Lagos, in a panel session, discussed primary emission sources in Nigeria, highlighting the reliance on diesel generators due to inadequate power supply and the lax enforcement of emission standards.
“I appreciate your confidence in my insights, though I may not consider myself an expert. I will do my best to contribute to this discussion.
“From an emissions standpoint, the issues you’ve highlighted are indeed critical. In a country where the electrical grid is not fully operational, the reliance on diesel-powered generators is substantial. This dependence significantly contributes to air pollution.
“Another major source of emissions is road transport. Unfortunately, there is often lax enforcement of emission standards, resulting in many unroadworthy vehicles remaining on the roads.
“This presents a considerable challenge when it comes to transitioning to cleaner alternatives.
“Industrial emissions are yet another significant concern. I commend the efforts of the State Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) for their work in monitoring and controlling these emissions, as this is crucial for effective enforcement and regulation.
“Moreover, we are placing a strong emphasis on the principles of a circular economy, particularly regarding waste management. This is a pressing issue that we experience daily in Lagos. A substantial proportion of waste is incinerated, and while the statistics may not fully capture its extent, the reality is palpable. The prevalence of burning plastic is particularly noticeable; the acrid smell permeates the air every Sunday, serving as a constant reminder of the challenges we face in managing waste effectively.”
“The high proportion of waste burning, particularly plastic, is a palpable issue,” she noted, advocating for improved waste management and the adoption of circular economy principles.
Jonathan Ikeolumba, a Certified Chartered Accountant and Consultant, highlighted that one of the primary sources of carbon emissions in the country stems from energy production.
He noted that industries reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, oil, and natural gas, are significant contributors to these emissions. “Gas flaring is particularly concerning, as it represents a substantial source of carbon emissions,” he explained.
He elaborated on the fossil fuel-intensive sectors, stating, “In our country, the energy sector—encompassing oil, natural gas, and coal—is a major contributor to CO2 emissions. This includes not only energy generation but also its implications for electricity production.”
While acknowledging the points raised by Dr. Natalie, he sought to expand the discussion by addressing other contributing factors. “Broadly speaking, our industrialization efforts also play a significant role. For instance, the construction sector is particularly noteworthy. The activities associated with building and construction, especially concerning cement production, contribute significantly to emissions.”
Additionally, Jonathan mentioned the impact of deforestation. “I have been conducting research on carbon accounting, and I have observed that deforestation activities are rampant in the country. These practices are detrimental and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.”
He further emphasized the interconnectedness of various sectors, stating, “When we consider emissions from waste management and agriculture alongside those from energy production and industrial activities, we can see that a substantial portion of our carbon emissions originates from these areas. Deforestation adds another layer to this issue, exacerbating the overall emissions challenge we face.”
The founder and CEO of AGYEPONG, Dr Agnes Agyepong, emphasized the importance of understanding the baseline knowledge of individuals regarding air pollution before initiating educational efforts.
“The first step is to assess people’s existing understanding of the concept. Following this assessment, advocacy and awareness campaigns can be tailored to their level of knowledge,” she stated.
Drawing from her personal experiences, she discussed the health impacts of air pollution on vulnerable populations.
“Many individuals remain unaware of the detrimental effects that air pollution and poor air quality can have on their health,” she noted.
Agyepong further asserted, “Air quality must be central to every conversation if we aim to effect meaningful change.”
She also highlighted the role of the Global Coalition for Black Maternal Health (GCMH) in raising awareness about the hazards of air pollution.
By providing data and insights from global incidents, she illustrated how air pollution disproportionately affects pregnant women, underscoring the urgent need for informed discussions on this critical issue.
She concluded by underscoring the health impacts of air pollution, which can lead to chronic conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
She called for collaborative efforts to raise awareness and advocate for cleaner environments, noting the particular vulnerability of children and pregnant women to air pollutants.
The conference, attended by educators and environmental experts, served as a clarion call for immediate and concerted efforts to tackle air pollution, emphasizing that while governmental actions are crucial, community involvement and awareness are equally vital to achieving a cleaner, healthier future.