Federal Ministry of Environment has inaugurated the pilot scheme of its vehicular emission testing centre in Maraba, Nasarawa State.
The minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Alhaji Mahmud Adam Kambari, said at the event yesterday that the centre would be a hub for scientific testing, research, and policy enforcement.
He said the centre would ensure that the quality of air we breathe meets acceptable standards.
“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance and emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as applicable globally,” he said.
Lawal, who said the ceremony was not just about the usual fanfare of unveiling a structure or a piece of equipment, also noted that it was about unveiling hope for clean air, cleaner skies, healthier lungs, and a safer environment for all Nigerians.
While explaining that the achievement was a testament to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration and the desire to ensure that all Nigerians have access to clean air, the minister, however, expressed concerns about the implications of air pollution and its health consequences to the citizens.
“Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, the rich, the poor and even unborn generations. It is a major causative factor of respiratory problems, heart attacks and strokes and has recently been linked to autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and dementia,” he said.
