By Danjuma Amodu | February 25, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a groundbreaking Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reduction Initiative, aiming to reduce carbon emissions from generators by up to 70%. The initiative, implemented by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), features an oxygen-based fuel additive technology called Oxytane.
Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, EHCON Registrar and CEO Dr. Yakubu Baba described the initiative as a bold step under the National Air Quality Programme of the Federal Ministry of Environment aimed at tackling air pollution and protecting public health.
“This is not just an environmental programme; it is a public health intervention,” he said. “Air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are directly linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular complications, cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Clean air is a fundamental right of every Nigerian.”
The Oxytane technology has been tested on high-capacity generators, including one at the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, with impressive results showing a 70% reduction in carbon emissions. The oxygen fuel additive improves combustion efficiency in petrol and diesel-powered engines, reducing smoke and particulate emissions while improving fuel efficiency by up to 30%.
EHCON will conduct emission testing for generators and vehicles, and facilities will be certified for compliance with environmental health regulations. A total of 70,000 Environmental Health Practitioners will be deployed nationwide for surveillance and rapid response, and public awareness campaigns will educate citizens on the health and environmental effects of air pollution.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. It also supports the Nigerian Climate Change Act, the National Climate Change Policy, and relevant Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Baba urged transport unions, oil marketers, manufacturers, and state and local governments to embrace the initiative, emphasizing that “the air we breathe has no boundaries.” EHCON plans to deploy Environmental Health Officers across the country to conduct carbon emission assessments and educate facilities on the benefits of the Oxytane technology.
The initiative targets facilities operating generators above 25KVA, with smaller generators excluded depending on their emission levels. The focus will be on advocacy campaigns to encourage voluntary adoption, rather than punishing defaulters.
“We are more interested in getting people to buy into this initiative than meting out punishment,” Baba said. “The advantages are clear: lower carbon emissions, fuel conservation, and improved air quality.”
The launch of this initiative marks a significant step towards reducing Nigeria’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development, aligning with the government’s commitment to environmental governance and public health protection.
