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AIR POLLUTION IN LAGOS |
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Lagos is the most industrialized and populated state in Nigeria with an estimate of about 20 million inhabitants. Due to the size of its population, there is usually heavy vehicular traffic both in peak and off peak periods. Also the epileptic power supply in the area has led to an increase in the use of diesel-fueled electric generators in industries, factories and households. All these have raised questions about the quality of air in the metropolis. Lagos Air Quality Monitoring Study (LAQMS) published its findings in 2007-2008 stating that transport was the major source of air pollution in the metropolis. The former commissioner of transportation in the state, Kayode Opeifa, had declared in April last year that there were about 2 million vehicles on Lagos roads. These large number of vehicles result in the release of toxic levels of carbon monoxide that is harmful to human health and the environment. Furthermore, the traffic congestion in the area has worsened the plight of Lagosians who have to leave for their place of work at least two hours before resumption time and get stuck for long hours in traffic due to poor roads and ineffective transport system. The inefficient power supply in the area has also resulted in the increased usage of diesel-fuelled electric generators in factories, industries, offices and residential buildings. Though the electricity distribution has been privatized, the federal government still largely controls the transmission lines and it cannot meet the electricity demand of the country. In a bid to curb air pollution in the state, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has shut down some factories and businesses whose industrial generators was constituting health risk to the surrounding inhabitants. Also the federal government banned the importation of mini generators last year because of its contribution to air pollution. In addition, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority is campaigning for the introduction of non-motorized transportation stating that is the way to reduce the transport congestion in the state. However, this initiative has received criticism by some experts who claim it does not fit the transportation system and weather condition of the state. These experts have argued that what the state needs is a well developed railway system which would act as an alternative means of transport. Sources: http://thenationonlineng.net/gridlock-lamata-goes-for-bicycle-walking-option/ http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/dec/18/choking-on-your-commute-how-air-pollution-is-strangling-lagos |
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5 Comments
Oseluese, nice report about air pollution in Lagos! I guess transportation and energy efficiency problems are seen in most parts of the country. I agree with what experts said about implementing a well-developed railway system. Subways, for instance, can move the transporation to the underground, which allows for less crowdedness while commuting. Thanks for posting, and have a great day :-)
Posted 21-03-2016 22:05
Hi Oseluese for news from Nigeria. And also thank you Arushi for giving us other aspects of the problem in the region. You're very knowledgeable haha. And I also share similar view with Arushi for seeking a bit of improvement from the government's attitude. Thank you again for news that others are hard to get. Have a good week!
Posted 21-03-2016 10:57
My mother has been to Nigeria (Lagos and Ambuja) and I have few friends over there who tell me that traffic congestion is the worst there. These congestions are popularly called “go-slow” locally-right?.
Due to frequent power failures , people use generators which are the main cause of air pollution apart from transport. But I am happy to note that at least government has started to look into it to improve the situation. All the best. Thanks for the great report.
Posted 20-03-2016 23:28
Nice article Oseluese,even India is very congested..This creates more problem as air becomes stagnant and the concentration of pollutants therefore increases..
Posted 20-03-2016 20:06
It is indeed saddening to hear about the air pollution that has struck the city of Logos. Let us combat air pollution through team work and cooperation!
Posted 20-03-2016 18:13