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