TUE SEPT 08 2026-theGBJournal| The Federal government has charged the citizens to make clean air a central element of Nigeria’s Environmental and developmental agenda.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal disclosed this during the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies with the theme : “Clean Air, Healthy Choices: Acting Together for People and Planet”
The Minister who was ably represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Salihu Aminu Usman on Monday in Abuja said citizens should work together to build a Nigeria where economic growth does not come at the expense of the air we breathe; where cities are cleaner and healthier; where industries operate responsibly; where households have access to clean energy; and where our children inherit a healthier environment.
Balarabe disclosed that Air pollution remains one of the greatest environmental threats to human health globally, contributing to millions of premature deaths every year. It also affects ecosystems, agricultural productivity, livelihoods and the resilience of communities.
He added that the Nigerian challenge is particularly significant because of the rapidly growing population, expanding urban centres, increasing transportation needs, industrial activities, energy demand, waste generation, agricultural practices and reliance on polluting fuels.
The Minister said, In order to mitigate the adverse effect of air pollution the Federal Ministry of Environment is working assiduously with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs), Sub-Nationals and development partners and other stakeholders to improve the quality of air been inhaled by Nigerians using multifaceted policy instruments, legislations, programmes and projects to regulate, enforce and promote minimum air quality standards.
He also reaffirmed the Federal government’s commitment to working with all stakeholders to advance air-quality management and pollution reduction across Nigeria.
He appreciated development partners, government institutions, private-sector, civil society, academia, the media and all participants for their continued commitment and partnership.
“Together, we can build a Nigeria where the skies remain blue, the air remains pure, and the future remains bright,” Minister stated.
In her welcome address, the director Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Mrs. Omotunde Adeola , stated that the challenge of air pollution is complex, with sources ranging from transportation and industrial activities to energy production, waste burning, household energy use and other human activities.
Adeola stated that to address these challenges requires more than the efforts of one institution, adding that It calls for coordinated action, informed choices and strong partnerships across government, the private sector, development partners, civil society, academia, communities and citizens.
She added that today’s programme has been designed to provide an opportunity for us to reflect on these challenges, share knowledge and more importantly, highlight practical solutions that can contribute to improved air quality in Nigeria.
She stressed that It is also an avenue to promote awareness on some of the current efforts of the Federal Ministry of Environment to address air pollution and establish an early warning system to protect human health.
The Director appreciated all those who supported the programme especially United Nations Industrial Development organization UNIDO,breathe better and Ampak.
In his goodwill message, UNIDO rep., Reuben Bamidele appreciated the Federal Ministry of Environment for organising the event by bringing major stakeholders in the environmental sector together to commemorate this year’s International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
He said environment is owned by all of us, it’s habitat to all creatures living and non living and how healthy we live is the function of environment and it’s the function of human actions.
He therefore urged the participants to promote clean air for environmental sustainability .
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