By Danjuma Amodu | January 19, 2026
The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has declared a public health emergency, warning that air pollution‑related illnesses now pose a greater threat to Nigerians than COVID‑19 and chronic diseases such as lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Conference Hall, Phase 1 Secretariat Complex, Abuja, on Monday, EHCON Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mohammed Yakubu Baba described the trend as “alarming” and called for urgent, collective action from government, industry and other stakeholders to support life‑saving initiatives.
Dr Baba revealed that environmental‑related diseases, driven by greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and worsening air quality, are increasing at a scale that has already resulted in more health hazards than COVID‑19 and chronic conditions such as lung cancer and acute respiratory infections. He stressed that without immediate intervention, the health system could face unprecedented strain.
Nigeria has long struggled with air quality challenges, particularly in urban centres like Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, where industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust and open burning contribute to high levels of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide.
According to recent World Health Organization (WHO) data, air pollution is already responsible for an estimated 150,000 premature deaths annually in Nigeria, with children and the elderly most at risk.
The Council’s declaration of a public health emergency marks a significant step, enabling faster mobilisation of resources, stricter enforcement of emission standards and coordinated public awareness campaigns. It also aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and national climate action plans, which aim to reduce GHG emissions and improve environmental health.
Dr Baba urged all stakeholders, including federal and state governments, private sector actors and civil society, to back the Council’s initiatives, which include expanding air quality monitoring, promoting cleaner energy alternatives and strengthening health system capacity to treat pollution‑related illnesses.
“The scale of this crisis demands a united response. We can not afford to wait. Lives are at stake,” Dr Baba concluded.
