By Danjuma Amodu | February 3, 2026
The Federal Government has raised an alarm over the growing health risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions, citing a rise in respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, and other environmental-related diseases.
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, made this known at a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, emphasizing that the issue is no longer just an environmental concern but a public health emergency.
Lawal, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Mahmud Adam Kambari, said the government has launched the National Emergency Response Initiative on Environmental Public Health Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (NERI-EPHIGGE) to address the challenge.
The initiative aims to deliver immediate and long-term interventions through strengthened environmental health regulations, nationwide establishment of environmental health surveillance and response units, and promotion of cleaner energy and sustainable practices.
Lawal urged stakeholders to support the implementation of the initiative, stressing that collective action is needed to address the issue.
He lauded the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) for its efforts in safeguarding environmental public health.
The event highlighted the need for a coordinated national framework to address environmental health risks linked to greenhouse gas emissions, with participants calling for sustained efforts to mitigate the impact of environmental pollution on public health.
The Federal Government’s initiative aims to tackle the growing health risks associated with greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on strengthening environmental health regulations and promoting cleaner energy practices. Establishing environmental health surveillance and response units nationwide, promoting cleaner energy and sustainable industrial practices, implementing low-emission transport systems, and conducting public awareness and behaviour change campaigns are integral to the plan.
Minister Lawal explained that the cost of inaction is greater than the cost of intervention, urging stakeholders to support the implementation of the national emergency response initiative. The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) is leading efforts to address the public health consequences of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.
The government is working closely with state governments, development partners, and civil society organisations to ensure environmental protection efforts translate into measurable public health outcomes.
