FG targets 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

2026-02-02 - 13:58

By Folarin Kehinde, Abuja The Federal Government has unveiled a bold initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50%, a decisive step to combat the growing public health crisis linked to environmental pollution. The plan, announced by the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON), is a direct response to the alarming rise in diseases such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, and other health risks exacerbated by air pollution. Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of EHCON, Dr. Yakubu Baba, while speaking in Abuja on Monday during a one-day National Stakeholders’ Engagement on National Emergency Response to Environment-Related Diseases Arising from Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG), emphasized that the increasing burden of environment-related diseases fueled by oil-powered generators, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and petroleum refining—has reached alarming levels. “Our findings are alarming. We have observed rising burden of environmentally related diseases linked to greenhouse gas emission. “Today’s engagement is not just a meeting; it is a national call to action. “The time to act is now, and we must reduce our emissions by 50% to safeguard the health, productivity, and livelihood of Nigerians.” Dr. Baba stated. “ Meanwhile, Baba noted that the council is fully aligned with Nigeria’s climate change act, the National Environmental Regulation, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will be coordinated across Nigeria’s 774 local governments and the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He noted that the initiative aims to tackle the growing environmental health crisis that is increasingly linked to diseases such as respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular conditions, and other health risks exacerbated by air pollution. Dr. Baba explained that the core components of the initiative is the establishment of an Environmental Health Surveillance and Response Unit in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, state governments, and other key stakeholders. He added that these units will be responsible for monitoring emission-related health risks, collecting real-time data, and supporting emergency environmental health interventions. To ensure enforcement, Baba noted that the council will ensure a national deployment of licensed environmental practitioners to monitor emissions, enforce compliance, and educate communities about mitigating the health risks of environmental pollution. “We are determined to reduce emissions by 50% through the deployment of advanced environmental health surveillance tools, compliance monitoring, and strict enforcement of industry regulations”. he added. Dr. Baba also emphasized the importance of public awareness and behavioral change campaigns, noting that promoting cleaner energy sources and fuel additives that cut emissions by up to 50% will significantly reduce Nigeria’s environmental footprint in industries and transportation. Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Mahmud Kambari, further emphasized the urgency of the initiative. “The burden of disease linked to poor environmental quality is rising rapidly. It’s no longer just an environmental issue it’s a public health emergency. “The costs of inaction far outweigh the cost of intervention. We must act decisively now to protect the health of our citizens and our environment.”. Lawal stated. Lawal noted that the National Emergency Response Initiative on Environmental Public Health Impact of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (E-N-E-R-I-E-P-H-I-G-E), which will focus on strengthening environmental health regulations and enhancing interagency collaboration should be seen as a crucial step in addressing the twin challenges of environmental pollution and public health crises in Nigeria. “This initiative is not only timely, but it also reflects Nigeria’s commitment to fulfilling its global obligations under the Paris Agreement and its national contributions toward climate change mitigation.”.he added.