News
FG to Establish Air Quality Monitoring Stations Across the Country
FG to Establish Air Quality Monitoring Stations Across the Country
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to establish air quality monitoring stations across the country to generate reliable database for sound policy making aimed at ensuring clean air.
It said will also will ensure viable environmental management by deploying mobile App that would give realtime Air Quality Index for every major city in Nigeria.
Speaking at the weekend during the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Clean Air for Blues Skies, with the theme “Invest in Clean Air Now Join the National Campaign #BreatheEasyNigeria”
held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako stated also noted that the agenda for the day is to reduce all forms of air pollutants to 50% globally by 2030.
The minister stated that: “If we fail to take action and reverse the current high level of air pollution in our country and in the world, the repercussions for public health, our economy, the environment and our survival is far reaching.”
He noted that: “According to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), air pollution is estimated to cost the global economy 8.1 trillion USD per year equivalent to 6.1% of the global GDP due to increased healthcare cost.”
He disclosed that the Ministry of Environment is actively engaging stakeholders in the development of the National Policy on Air Quality Management as well as a Youth-led National Clean Air Programme which will work with celebrities and high network individuals as Clean Air Ambassadors.
He disclosed that The National Clean Air Campaign #BreatheEasyNigeria is expected to be launched soon
Salako while noting that the day is aimed at raising awareness at all levels on the importance of clean air for human and environmental health, productivity and economic growth, said: “Globally, there is a growing concern about air pollution and the threat poor air poses to our existence with air pollution now regarded as the world’s single largest environmental health risk. It is estimated that 99% of the world’s population is breathing polluted air with dire consequences for everything we hold dear.”
He said the challenges of air quality management are common to every part of the country with activities of humans being the main driver.
Salako said In order to address the challenges, we need everybody well informed and on board taking actions to improve our air quality. We count on you our ally in the media to inform Nigerians, create awareness and take the message home that our lungs deserves clean air. In the words of a popular evolutionary biologist and environmentalist, Guy McPherson; “you can’t count your money, while holding your breath”
He revealed that Nigerian government is working to establish a national framework to guide States that are setting up vehicular and generator Emissions Testing Centres in line with minimum standards developed by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
He said: “We have commenced a pilot scheme for Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Industrial Emission Monitoring Scheme (I.E.M.S) as a vital initiative designed to enhance the capacity to manage and mitigate industrial pollution across the country effectively. In the coming days, we plan to commence a national roll out of the QA/QC IEMS.”
He however noted: “Nigeria, as a country is faced with significant air pollution challenges and was ranked the 3rd most polluted country in Africa by the 2021 world air quality report. In 2023, the average PM2.5 concentration in Nigeria was 4.8 times of the World Health Organisation annual air quality guideline value.
“Like most parts of the world, vehicular emission is the greatest contributor to air pollution, with the situation complicated in our country by the many old, second hand , third hand, infact several hand automobiles plying our roads. Other sources include industrial activities, illegal refining, gas flaring, burning of refuse, household cooking and power generation.”
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Mr Ibrahim Kambari, represented by the Director Human Resource Management in the Ministry, Mrs Mariya Rufai, said there is need for more awareness to created in the society especially for the elderly, women and children who are more vulnerable to air pollution.
He said that air pollution is hazardous to the society because it brings alot of problems to the human beings and well-being of the society at large.
He noted that the meeting is to help deliberate and find a lasting solution to the environmental challenges bedeviling the country.
He said: As you are aware clean Air is very important all over the world because it’s a great enablers for good health, healthy environment, enhance productivity and a vibrant economy.”
“I think we should embark on a more and a wider sensitisation or enlightenment campaigns towards educating our people on the dangers and the effect of consequences of air pollution in our society, all these chemicals pollution, soil and water contamination we have in our society are the causes of all these air pollution and as long we don’t take measures to prevent these issues occuring in our society will never have it funny i think this forum is a good one to help us deliberate on this solutions to our air pollution that is bedeviling our society at large.”
Registrar, Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, ECHON, Dr Yakubu Mohammed Baba said all agency and department under the Ministry must work together to address these challenges, while also recognizes the vital importance of clean air to human health and the environment.
He said: “Today’s event is also very apt because it will help our community, stimulate our economy and increase the public health and well-being of our future generation, let us all work together across all sectors to support the initiatives so that the issue of our Air remains clean and also equitable one.”
The international Day of Clean Air for Blues Skies, is a day set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to “strengthen international cooperation in improving air quality and reducing air pollution” since 2020.
FG to Establish Air Quality Monitoring Stations Across the Country
NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
By: Michael Mike
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has declared full support for Nigeria’s intensifying war against substance abuse, aligning with the efforts of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat the growing threat of illicit drug use among young people.
The position was made known when NANS leaders, led by their National President, Sola Oladoja, paid a strategic visit to the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Marwa at the agency’s national headquarters in Abuja.
In a meeting that underscored rising concerns over drug abuse in tertiary institutions, the student leaders commended the NDLEA’s sustained crackdown on drug trafficking networks and its preventive campaigns targeting campuses.
Oladoja described the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative as a transformative intervention that has significantly increased awareness among students about the dangers of substance misuse.
He said the association’s support for the NDLEA is rooted in a shared responsibility to safeguard the future of Nigerian youths, noting that drug abuse continues to threaten academic performance, mental health, and societal stability.
The NANS leadership also used the occasion to reaffirm its backing of President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda, pointing to policies they believe have directly impacted students and young people. Oladoja cited the rollout of the student loan scheme, improved stability in the academic calendar following the resolution of strikes, and expanded youth-focused programmes as evidence of the administration’s commitment.
According to him, these measures have strengthened confidence among students in the current government and informed their willingness to support its continuity beyond the current term.
Responding, Marwa welcomed the endorsement, describing Nigerian students as a critical constituency in the national effort to curb drug abuse. He noted that meaningful progress in the anti-drug campaign would require active collaboration with young people, particularly those in higher institutions where vulnerability to substance use remains high.
Marwa warned that drug abuse poses far-reaching consequences, from deteriorating health and disrupted education to increased crime and long-term social instability. He called on student leaders to take ownership of the campaign within their campuses by promoting awareness and discouraging peer influence toward drug use.
Addressing concerns over the Federal Government’s newly introduced drug integrity test policy for students, the NDLEA boss clarified that the initiative is not designed to punish but to protect. He explained that early identification of drug use allows for timely counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation, thereby preventing long-term damage.
The engagement ended with both NANS and NDLEA agreeing to deepen collaboration, signalling a more coordinated approach to tackling substance abuse within Nigeria’s academic environment.
NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have recovered no fewer than 225 rustled cattle after engaging suspected bandits in Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was carried out at about 8:00 a.m. on April 20 by troops of 17 Brigade following credible intelligence on the movement of a notorious bandit leader, identified as Muhammad Filani, and his group.
The sources said the suspects were tracked to Kauri village in Kankia Local Government Area, where troops made contact and engaged them in a firefight.
“Upon contact, the troops engaged the bandits effectively, forcing them to flee and abandon the rustled cattle,” the source said.
The troops subsequently recovered a total of 225 cattle, which were handed over to relevant local authorities for identification and return to their rightful owners.
Military authorities noted that the operation has dealt a significant blow to cattle rustling networks operating within the area.
They added that troops have sustained aggressive patrols and intelligence-driven operations to deny bandits freedom of action across the state.
Meanwhile, under Operation Savannah Shield, troops continued offensive operations and routine security activities within their areas of responsibility.
Sources, however, confirmed that there was no major incident recorded during the period under review.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying efforts to combat banditry and related crimes in the North West.
Troops Recover 225 Rustled Cattle, Repel Bandits in Katsina
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued two victims following a swift response to a distress call in Kaduna State.
Security sources said that the incident occurred at about 1:00 a.m. on April 21, when troops deployed under Operation Enduring Peace at Ungwan Gora checkpoint received reports of gunshots suspected to be from kidnappers.
The sources said the attack took place along the axis between Ungwan Dariya and Rafin Tagwi Bridge in Sanga Local Government Area.
“On receipt of the report, troops responded immediately and moved to the location, where they made contact with the suspected kidnappers,” a source said.
According to the source, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee into nearby bushes and abandon their victims.
During the operation, two persons who sustained gunshot wounds were rescued by the troops and promptly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.
Military authorities said the swift intervention of the troops prevented what could have escalated into a successful abduction.
They added that patrols have been intensified within the area to track down the fleeing suspects and forestall further criminal activities.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to continue providing timely information to security agencies.
Troops Foil Kidnap Attempt, Rescue Two Victims in Kaduna
NANS Throws Weight Behind NDLEA Drug War, Endorses Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda
Troops Raid Hideout, Arrest Suspected IPOB/ESN Commander and Four Others in Ebonyi
Troops Foil Boko Haram Attack, Rescue Nine Captives in Mandara Mountain in Borno
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
