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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
Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
Jewel Environmental Initiative (JEI), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in Gombr, on Friday tasked residents in the state on proper disposal of waste to mitigate the impact of flooding this 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Mr Ismail Bima, made the call in an interview with our Correspondent in Gombe on Friday.
According to Bima, the huge losses associated with flooding and its negative impact on the environment and livelihoods has made it imperative for collective efforts to tackle flooding in Gombe.
He urged residents to take responsibility in ensuring a clean environment for their wellbeing.
“We have been sensitising residents for weeks now because of the impact of flooding on our people, communities and livelihoods.
“We must not wait for the rain before doing the right thing.
“Avoid dumping wastes in drains and water channels; this is key to addressing flood related disasters as the rainy season commences,” he said.
Bima disclosed that his team had intensified sensitisation exercise in Kwami, Nafada, Funakaye and Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Areas of the state because they were proned to flooding..
He said that the flooding in Funakaye had been attributed largely to buildings erected in waterways, stressing that,”residents should vacate the area.
“I urge the state government to relocate people from such areas to help save lives and properties.
He commended th State government’s efforts in reclaiming degraded land and building huge concrete gullies in several communities to help manage severe erosion.
He said that the concrete gullies have helped in protecting critical infrastructure and livelihoods of thousands of residents in the state.
Bima urged the government and residents to take advantage of the rainy season to plant more trees to replace those that have been fellen for firewood and charcoal purposes.
Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody
*Okays speedy trial
By: Our Reporter
A Plateau State High Court on Friday ordered that four suspects standing trial for their alleged involvement in the March 2026 killings in the Angwa Rukuba community of Jos North Local Government Area, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The court also agreed to a request by the prosecution to speed up the trial. The matter was adjourned to May 26 to consider the report on the case management conference, and 1st and 2nd July for hearing.
The suspects, identified as Isa Umar Ibrahim, Auwalu Abubakar (also known as Auwalu Dogo), Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (also known as Yaroro), and others, are facing charges of terrorism and criminal conspiracy.
The charges were filed by the State Attorney General, Philemon Daffi, under the Plateau State Penal Code Law, 2017.
On Friday, Mustapha Shabbat (SAN), who announced his appearance for the defendants, objected to their continued detention in the facility of the DSS.
In a short ruling, however, the trial judge held it it remained the discretion of the court to determine where to keep suspects under trial.
“Considering the facts and circumstances of this case, this honorable court has jurisdiction to remand the defendant in the custody of DSS or correctional centr provided the place of custody is safe.
“The defendants are hereby remanded in the custody of the DSS. They must however be allowed to have access to his counsels while in detention pending the prompt conclusion of investigation,” ruled the judge.
Court: Case management has already been taken place in accordance with the provisions of the law. The case is hereby adjourned to 26th May for report of the court on case management and further adjourned to 1st and 2nd July, 2026 for hearing.
The particulars of offence read, in part “That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did conspire amongst yourselves to commit offences relating to terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, and contributed money to carry out the attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court; you thereby committed the above offence.
“That you, Isa Umar Ibrahim, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim of Riyom Local Government Area, Auwalu Abubakar (A.K.A Auwalu Dogo) of Jos North Local Government Area, Musa Abubakar Ibrahim (A.K.A Yaroro) of Jos North Local Government Areas of Plateau State; and one Ado Ibrahim (Now at Large) of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, on the 28th day of March, 2025 at Farin Gada, Jos North Local Government Area, did commit the offence of terrorism when you planned, organized, facilitated, aided, contributed and received money to carry out an attack in Angwan Rukuba, which led to the death of over thirty (30) people in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court.”
Part of the particulars of Alhassan’s offence read, “That you Adamu Isah Alhassan together with one Ibrahim Musa (Now at Large), Imarana Sa’idu (Now at Large), Yusuf Sa’idu (Now at Large) Aliyu Usaini (Now at Large), Yahuza Adamu (Now at Large), Mubarak Yunusa (Now at Large), Yakubu, whose surname is unknown (Now at Large) and others also at large between the months of January to December, 2025 and in January, 2026 at Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an illegal act to wit: Culpable Homicide Punishable with Death, when you armed yourselves with guns, attacked and killed the residents of Gwang, Rin Ward, Bachit and Bangai Villages of Riyom Local Government Area and Vom in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, and you thereby committed the above offence.”
Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody
*Okays speedy trial
Breaking; Court Dismisses Sowore’s no-case submission in DSS’ charges of Cyberbulling Tinubu.
*Fixes May 19 to open defence
Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday dismissed the no-case submission made by politician-activist, Omoyele Sowore, in the charge of Cyberbullying President Bola Tinubu brought against him by the Department of the State Services (DSS).
The Court upheld DSS’ charges against Sowore for allegedly calling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu a “criminal” in his social media handles. The judge fixed May 19 for Sowore to enter his defence in the charges against him.
Sowore had filed the no-case submission and prayed the court to discharge and acquit him from the 2-count charge.
In the long ruling, Justice Umar punctured Sowore’s arguments that the DSS provided only one witness, that the victim, President Bola Tinubu, wasn’t invited to testify. He held that the DSS successfully linked Sowore to the alleged crime, and that the defendant did not deny posting the offensive messages online.
The judge further ruled that the Supreme Court has long established that any evidence, no matter how small that links a defendant to an alleged crime is sufficient to establish a prima facie case established against the defendant to warrant his defence in the allegations against him.
Shortly after the ruling, counsel to the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, told the court that he was ready to proceed with the trial. However, Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, rose to appeal to the judge that his client has something important to tell the court. Even though counsel to the DSS protested the move, insisting that the rule was that a defendant may be represented in court by a counsel or by himself, not both, the judge allowed Sowore use the microphone to address the court.
He began by openly accusing the Judge of bias, and asked the judge to recuse himself, as he wasn’t sure of getting justice in his court.
He alleged that the judge was in cohort with the federal government convict him at all costs so as to prevent him from contesting the 2027 general election.
His counsel, Abubakar echoed the same sentiment, asking the Judge to return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment to another judge,
The DSS lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde SAN who had earlier asked the Judge not to grant audience to Sowore but his counsel on record, prayed that the recusal application be discarded.
In a brief ruling, Justice Umar ordered Sowore to file formal application for recusal and state his grievances,
He thereafter fixed May 19 for the defendant to open his defense.
Breaking; Court Dismisses Sowore’s no-case submission in DSS’ charges of Cyberbulling Tinubu
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Flood: NGO cautions Gombe residents against indiscriminate dumping of waste
Angwa-Rukuba Killings: Court orders suspects to remain in DSS’ custody*Okays speedy trial
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