Home Opinion Abuja Faces Alarming Air Quality Crisis: A Call to Action for Nigeria – Chidoka

Abuja Faces Alarming Air Quality Crisis: A Call to Action for Nigeria – Chidoka

by Nwabuko

I am a runner and, over the last two years, have developed allergies that worsen with weather changes. This has made checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) a daily habit, ensuring it’s safe to run outside. Over the past few days, the AQI in Abuja has fallen to “Very Unhealthy” levels, ranking Abuja at 129 among the most polluted cities globally. This isn’t just a number—it reflects the toxic air we breathe.

The latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings highlight a worrying trend in Abuja and across Nigeria. With an AQI of 222 in Abuja, classified as “Very Unhealthy,” the city faces a severe air pollution crisis. For comparison, our neighbouring countries’ capitals, such as Niamey (61) and Yaoundé (69), enjoy significantly better air quality. Other Nigerian cities like Kano (171), Lagos (118), and Uyo (140) are also grappling with unhealthy air, but Abuja stands out as having the worst air quality among them.

I’ve been asking myself, how did it get this bad? The answer, I suspect (I am not an expert), could be old, poorly maintained vehicles churning out toxic fumes, dust from uncontrolled construction, and deforestation stripping us of trees that once cleaned our air.

According to AQI, an Indian-based company, breathing the air in Abuja today is the equivalent of smoking three cigarettes a day and 91 in a month!

The consequences are everywhere—rising cases of respiratory illnesses, irritated eyes and throats, and, in the long term, severe impacts on our health and the environment.

It’s time we faced this crisis head-on. The government must act now. Enforcing vehicle emissions standards, banning open burning, regulating construction, enforcing standards for eco-friendly air conditioners and refrigerators and planting trees to purify the air are some fixes to the crises.

But we, too, the citizens, have a role to play. We must stop burning waste, encourage greener practices and manage emissions from air conditioners and refrigerators by regulating their use. 

For those who must stay outdoors, we should protect ourselves by wearing masks, limiting outdoor activities on high-pollution days, and improving indoor ventilation.

The alarming AQI levels in Abuja signal the urgent need for coordinated action. Both citizens and policymakers must prioritise air quality to safeguard public health and the environment. By adopting sustainable practices, Nigeria can chart a path toward cleaner air and a healthier future.

The air we breathe in Abuja and across Nigeria is a shared resource that sustains us all. Let’s protect it for our children and our future.

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