Air quality alert: Lagos on vigilance as pollution hits crisis levels, threatens millions

As Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos is rapidly growing into one of the world’s largest megacities, but this rapid expansion has brought significant health challenges, including high rates of illness and premature death due to air pollution. A World Bank study identified the top three sources of PM2.5 pollution in Lagos as road transport, industrial emissions, and generators, all of which could be mitigated with effective interventions.

Road transport is the leading source of PM2.5. Due to limited transportation options, the number of vehicles has nearly quadrupled over the past decade. The average commute in Lagos takes four hours a day, the highest in the world. Every day, 227 vehicles congest each kilometer of road, with most vehicles being over 15 years old and using outdated emission technologies and fuel with sulfur levels 200 times higher than U.S. standards for diesel according to the study.

Nigeria’s vibrant economy, large population, and unreliable power sector have led to a heavy reliance on backup generators. In Lagos, generators provide about half of the city’s total energy demand, making them the third-largest source of PM2.5. Large diesel generators are used in institutional, commercial, and residential areas, while smaller generators are widespread across households and small businesses. The poor combustion of gasoline and lubricating oil in these generators significantly pollutes the air and poses major health risks due to their close proximity to people.

In a significant move towards promoting environmental health and sustainability, in the ongoing Lagos CLEAN Air Forum 2024, UrbanBetter a supporting host, on Thursday organized a 15-kilometre run tagged #RunLagos, from Maryland to Ikeja, aimed at raising awareness about air pollution and advocate for cleaner air in Lagos.

Waziri Menasara, the Coordinator of the UrbanBetter Lagos Citizens Hub, highlighted the dual purpose of the run. “The essence of this run is to advocate for clean air and to measure the level of air pollution along our route,” Menasara explained. “We are using mobile air quality monitors and sensors to gather data on air pollution, providing valuable information about the quality of air in different areas of the city.”
“UrbanBetter, an Africa-led global social venture, focuses on integrating healthy and sustainable development into urban spaces worldwide. The #RunLagos event is a key initiative under this mission, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental advocacy,” he added.

Gathering and Utilizing Air Quality Data
Participants, including environmental activists, local celebrities, and concerned citizens, joined the run, sporting branded T-shirts and carrying placards with messages advocating for clean air. The route through Lagos’ busy streets symbolized the urgent need for effective air quality management in urban areas. Information booths along the route provided educational resources on air pollution’s sources and effects, along with practical steps individuals and communities can take to mitigate it.

The event culminated in a rally at Maryland, where participants shared their experiences and renewed their commitment to advocating for cleaner air. Menasara underscored the importance of the data collected during the run. “We are not just raising awareness; we are also collecting data to inform people about the air quality in their neighborhoods,” he said. “This information is crucial for making informed decisions and pushing for policies that ensure a healthier future for all.”

According to Menasara, the data collected from the air quality sensors during the run revealed significant insights into the air pollution levels along the route. “While we use physical activity (runs) to create awareness and measure pollution along these routes, the essence is to discourage people from working out (if they do) in areas where we notice pollution is high,” Menasara stated.

He further explained the findings using the US EPA colour codes for air quality, stating that: “Green means Good; Yellow means Moderate; Orange means Unhealthy for sensitive groups; Red means Unhealthy; Purple means Very Unhealthy and Maroon means Hazardous,” he said. “A glance at the results shows that there is no good air quality at any point throughout the run,” Menasara noted. “There is a mix of moderate to very unhealthy air quality on the express part of the route. The part inside the community off the express had moderate air quality all through,” he stated.

He emphasized on what is being done with the end results, highlighting that “We would ideally advise members around this community to avoid doing any form of physical activity along the express and that it is safer to do it inside, based on data from the air sensors activation.”

Collaboration at All Levels Key to Improving Air Quality in Lagos
A participant at the #RunLagos Campaign, Dare Olasunbo Bola, an air quality expert at the Air Quality Department, Emission Control Unit (AQECu) of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), highlighted the significant strides made in air quality management in Africa and beyond. However, she emphasized the need for more inclusive collaboration that extends to the grassroots level to achieve lasting improvements in air quality.

“There has been great work and collaboration concerning air quality in Africa and abroad. My suggestion is that as there is collaboration between stakeholders and partners, there should also be collaboration with people from the lowest level,” Bola said. She proposed involving local leaders such as public transportation chairmen, market women heads, and community chiefs. “This way, the information can be passed down to the lowest level of the air pollution source” she added.

Bola explained that these local leaders would select capable individuals who would be educated and empowered to disseminate information to the general public. The goal is to raise awareness about the effects of smoke and emissions from vehicles, outdoor activities like cooking with firewood, sawdust, and burning waste, which all negatively impact air quality and health.

“Making them aware of the effect of the smoke/emission from their vehicle, making them aware about outdoor activities like cooking with firewood, sawdust, burning of their waste in their homes, etc., can affect the air and their health and that of their family and unborn children,” Bola noted.

While acknowledging the financial constraints faced by many Nigerians, Bola suggested implementing penalties for non-compliance, which might be more effective in other countries. “This I can’t really ascertain because of the financial status of most Nigerians, but might work for other countries. But at least it will go a long way in making a huge difference and improving the quality of air in the environment.”
She shared a personal anecdote to illustrate the general lack of awareness about air quality issues. “I was on my way to work two months ago when I was fortunate to be given a ride by a banker who works at Ojota. She asked where I work and my department. I told her and explained to her about air quality. She wasn’t even aware of anything about air quality.”

Bola stressed the importance of leveraging social media, content creators, and influencers to spread information about air quality. “There are applications and sites where this information can be found, but it isn’t generally known to the public. So, we need to do more with social media, involving content creators, influencers, and co.”
She also suggested regular programming on popular radio and TV stations to educate the public about air quality. “Maybe there should be a weekly program on a well-known radio and TV station to educate the public about air quality. And I suggest there should be very explanatory and pictorial or diagram posters in the community or different areas that explain air quality to the people.”

Bola concluded by reiterating the potential impact of penalties for non-compliance, while recognizing the need to consider the financial realities of Nigerians. “There should be a kind of penalties for going against this law. This I can’t really ascertain because of the financial status of most Nigerians, but might work for other countries. But at least it will go a long way in making a huge change and the quality of air in the environment.”

Bola’s insights underscore the necessity of inclusive and comprehensive strategies to combat air pollution and improve air quality in Lagos, ensuring that the benefits of cleaner air reach every level of society.

Expert Warns Against Polluted Air on Main Roads Due to High NOx Emissions

Another participant at the #RunLagos Campaign, Abid Omar, a research and community engagement expert and founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, raised concerns about the high levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions experienced during the recent run in Lagos. His observations highlight the invisible but dangerous pollution from vehicular emissions, prompting a warning against running on main roads.

Abid Omar, research and community engagement expert and founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative on the Lagos CLEAN-Air Run expressed his concerns at the high levels of pollutants and poor air quality in Lagos:

“I was astounded to sense such high levels of NOx emissions during the run,” Omar stated. “Invisible pollution from vehicular emissions is extraordinarily high. It’s not recommended to be running on the main roads” he shared. Omar’s remarks underscore the pressing issue of air pollution in urban areas, particularly from traffic emissions. Nitrogen oxides are a significant component of air pollution, known to cause respiratory problems and other health issues.”

His warning comes at a time when promoting outdoor activities is seen as a way to reduce congestion, but the health risks associated with polluted air cannot be overlooked. Omar’s insights serve as a critical reminder of the need to address air quality issues comprehensively, ensuring that public health is not compromised in efforts to promote physical activity and reduce congestion.

Policy Research Fellow Highlights Health Concerns of Outdoor Activities in Polluted Areas

Hilina Bayew, a Research Fellow from Ethiopia specializing in air quality research related to policy, who participated actively in the #RunLagos Campaign, shared her insights on initiatives aimed at promoting outdoor activities to reduce congestion in Lagos. While she appreciates the efforts, Bayew raised concerns about the potential health risks associated with encouraging physical exercise in highly polluted environments.

“It’s an amazing initiative, and I love that you’re working with the youth as well. It is very empowering,” Bayew began. “However, I was talking to some people on the run with us, and I think some practices might be counterintuitive for the state that Lagos is in right now.”
Bayew pointed out that promoting activities like biking, running, and walking outdoors to reduce congestion might not be suitable for Lagos due to its high levels of air pollution. “Lagos has a lot of cars, and there’s a lot of pollution happening. If there’s more PM2.5 concentration and other pollutants outside, promoting people to engage in physical exercise could exacerbate health conditions. It’s not great to exercise outdoors during poor air quality.”

She acknowledged the vision behind the initiative but emphasized the need to consider health outcomes. “These practices could be adopted in places that are not highly polluted to look at the health outcomes instead of just what’s happening in the city. It’s important to look at pollution specifically and its impacts on health and climate.”

Despite her concerns, Bayew expressed appreciation for the effort and the community’s involvement in monitoring air quality. “Overall, I really do appreciate the whole effort, the whole run, and the fact that we were all able to map out our own exposure to air quality using the air beams.”

Bayew highlighted the importance of personalizing data to make it more accessible and impactful. “I’ve done it in my studies as well, and I feel it is a very powerful tool. We need to find ways to personalize data because that’s the only way it will reach out to people. We can’t communicate with people who have other professions or interests in the same way we communicate with one another. We have to find ways to make data more digestible to them.”
Bayew’s insights underline the necessity of balancing initiatives to reduce congestion with considerations of air quality and public health. Personalizing data and making it accessible to the broader public can enhance awareness and drive more effective action in improving air quality in Lagos.

Solutions: Enhance Air Quality and Public Health through Comprehensive Strategies

As the world grapples with the challenges of urban air pollution, experts from various fields have provided valuable insights on effective strategies for improving air quality and safeguarding public health. The recent interviews with Waziri Menasara, Dare Olasunbo Bola, Hilina Bayew, and Abid Omar highlight several key directions for future initiatives.

1. Grassroots Collaboration and Education
   Dare Olasunbo Bola, an air quality expert at LASEPA, emphasized the importance of inclusive collaboration that extends to the grassroots level. She proposed involving local leaders such as public transportation chairmen, market women heads, and community chiefs in disseminating information about air pollution and its effects.
2. By empowering these leaders to educate their communities, the message can reach those who may not have access to conventional media or the internet. Bola also suggested leveraging social media, content creators, and influencers to spread awareness. Regular programming on popular radio and TV stations and explanatory posters in communities can further enhance public understanding of air quality issues.
3. Personalized Data and Health Considerations
   Hilina Bayew, a policy research fellow, highlighted the need to consider health outcomes when promoting outdoor activities. She pointed out that encouraging physical exercise in highly polluted areas like Lagos could exacerbate health conditions. Instead, these practices should be adopted in less polluted regions to ensure positive health outcomes.
   Bayew also stressed the importance of personalizing data to make it more accessible and impactful. Tools like air beams, which track individual exposure to air quality, can help personalize and communicate data effectively, making it more relatable to the general public.
4. Addressing Invisible Pollution
   Abid Omar, founder of the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative, raised concerns about the high levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from vehicular traffic. He warned against running on main roads due to the invisible but dangerous pollution. Omar’s observations highlight the need for targeted measures to reduce traffic emissions and protect public health.
5. Comprehensive Monitoring and Data Collection
   Accurate and comprehensive monitoring of air quality is essential for informed decision-making. Governments and organizations should invest in advanced monitoring technologies and expand their networks to cover more areas. Data collected should be transparent and accessible to the public.
6. Policy and Regulation
   Effective policies and regulations are crucial for controlling air pollution. Governments should enforce stricter emission standards for vehicles and industrial sources. Additionally, implementing penalties for non-compliance can incentivize adherence to regulations.
7. Infrastructure and Urban Planning
   Developing infrastructure that supports cleaner modes of transportation, such as cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways, can reduce reliance on motor vehicles. Urban planning should prioritize green spaces and reduce congestion in high-traffic areas.
8. International Collaboration
   Air pollution is a global issue that requires international cooperation. Sharing knowledge, technologies, and best practices can help countries develop more effective air quality management strategies.
   By integrating these strategies and learning from the insights of experts, cities like Lagos can move towards a future where improved air quality and public health are achievable goals. Comprehensive and inclusive approaches are essential for creating sustainable and healthy urban environments.