Urgent Action Required: Experts Warn Nigeria and Others to Combat Air Pollution Now – Insights from EnviroNews

On April 24, 2025, experts gathered in Lagos, Nigeria, to discuss air pollution at the International Summit on Climate Change/Air Pollution. Organized by the Nigerian Heart Foundation and the University of Manchester, the event focused on the urgent need for policy changes in developing nations.

Prof. Akin Osibogun from the University of Lagos emphasized how climate change and air pollution impact public health. He warned that poor air quality causes respiratory issues and heart disease. Studies have even linked pollution to diabetes and other health problems. “Policymakers must understand these threats and create actionable plans,” he urged.

The summit highlighted alarming statistics. According to the World Health Organization, around 4.2 million people die each year from outdoor air pollution. This silent assassin is especially deadly in developing countries, where many lack awareness of its dangers. Prof. Osibogun pointed out that it’s not enough to simply advise against using firewood for cooking without offering viable alternatives.

Prof. Obuks Ejohwomu shared a poignant story about a nine-year-old girl named Ella, who died from pollution exposure close to her busy school route. This shocking case illustrates the hidden dangers of air pollution, even in well-off countries. If such tragedies occur there, one can only imagine the toll in developing nations.

Raising awareness was a key theme. Ejohwomu called pollution “a silent killer that is often overlooked.” He highlighted the need for immediate action to protect vulnerable populations, especially children. Prof. Chinwe Obuaku added that schools should include climate change education in their curriculum to ensure future generations are informed.

Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, Executive Director of the Nigerian Heart Foundation, stressed that everyone—young and old—has a role in combating air pollution. He advocated for cleaner cooking alternatives and fewer emissions from vehicles.

The summit concluded with a call to adopt updated WHO guidelines on air quality. Akinroye urged governments to allocate budgets for pollution control and improve monitoring efforts. He suggested a shift from solid fuel to cleaner options like Liquefied Petroleum Gas and solar power.

As the fight against air pollution continues, community engagement and proactive policies can lead to a healthier future for all.

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