Air Quality in Nigeria: Statistics and Analysis

Nov 06, 2025 0

Nigeria, a country in the western region of Africa, faces a significant challenge with air pollution, impacting public health and the environment. The country ranks 152nd out of 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index for Air Quality. This article delves into the statistics, causes, health impacts, and initiatives aimed at improving air quality in Nigeria.

Current Air Quality Overview

As of November 6th, 2025, 23:00 pm, the current air quality is rated as "Good". However, this reading is not fully representative of the entire country due to the limited availability of data from various cities.

Air Quality in Nigerian Cities

According to the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) air pollution database from 2016, several cities in Nigeria experience PM2.5 concentrations ranging from unhealthy to hazardous levels. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.

Nigeria leads continent in Air Pollution-related deaths

Here's a detailed look at the PM2.5 concentrations in some cities:

City	PM2.5 Conc.	PM2.5 AQI	Health Impact	Year
Aba	373	416	Hazardous	2009
Abakaliki	88	168	Unhealthy	2009
Afikpo	72	159	Unhealthy	2009
Enugu	115	182	Unhealthy	2009
Ile-Ife	103	175	Unhealthy	2010
Kaduna	423	449	Hazardous	2013
Nnewi	57	151	Unhealthy	2009
Nsukka	117	183	Unhealthy	2009
Onitsha	594	500	Hazardous	2009
Orlu	52	142	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	2009
Owerri	158	208	Very Unhealthy	2009
Umuahia	274	324	Hazardous	2009

Source: WHO (World Health Organization) Ambient (outdoor) air pollution database 2016

In February 2021, Lagos recorded PM2.5 readings ranging from 18.1 μg/m³ to 78.7 μg/m³. The higher reading of 78.7 μg/m³ falls into the ‘unhealthy’ category, posing significant health risks.

Air Quality Levels and Health Implications

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is used to communicate air quality levels and their potential health impacts. Here's a breakdown:

AQI	Air Pollution Level	Health Implications	Cautionary Statement (for PM2.5)
0 - 50	Good	Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk	None
51 - 100	Moderate	Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.	Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
101-150	Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups	Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.	Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.
151-200	Unhealthy	Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects	Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion
201-300	Very Unhealthy	Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.	Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid all outdoor exertion; everyone else, especially children, should limit outdoor exertion.
300+	Hazardous	Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects	Everyone should avoid all outdoor exertion

Causes of Air Pollution in Nigeria

Nigeria faces numerous sources of pollution, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, waste burning, and household practices.

Vehicular Emissions: Aged vehicles with poor-quality engines release noxious oil vapors and fumes.
Industrial Emissions: Factories often use diesel fuels and release dangerous industrial byproducts due to less stringent emission standards.
Waste Burning: Common in lower-income districts due to lack of waste disposal infrastructure.
Household Practices: Kerosene stoves and wood-burning stoves contribute to toxic smoke and particle matter buildup.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution

Inhaling PM2.5 and various chemicals can lead to several health issues:

Increased coughing and chest infections
Aggravation of asthma
Ischemic heart disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Respiratory issues such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and emphysema

Vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions, are at higher risk.

Specific Pollutants and Their Sources

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): Released by cars and other vehicles.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Black Carbon: Also from vehicles, with black carbon being a potent carcinogen.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Released from factories, open burn sites, and household products.
Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and cadmium from industrial activities.

Air Quality Monitoring and Findings in Lagos

A study conducted in Lagos examined air quality parameters around residential areas and transport sector locations (TSLs). The findings showed that:

Carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), noise, temperature, and humidity were within measurable levels.
Most assessed air quality parameters were significantly higher around bus stops (P < 0.05), except for CO and humidity.
PM10 and PM2.5 levels were much higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines.

The levels of PM10 in the study area were significantly higher in TSLs and ranged between 60.7 and 404.0 μg/m3 at the TSLs and between 43.3 and 159.61 μg/m3 in residential areas.

The levels of SO2 recorded in the study area for TSLs ranged between 0.0 to 0.4 ppm and between 0.0 and 0.17 ppm around residential locations.

Government Initiatives and Regulations

Nigeria has implemented several measures to combat air pollution:

National Environmental (Ozone Layer Protection) Regulations 2009
National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations 2013
National Solid Waste Management Policy (2020)
National Plastic Waste Management Policy (2020)

Nigeria has also partnered with international organizations such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP).

Efforts to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs)

Nigeria’s National Action Plan to Reduce SLCPs aims for an 83% reduction in black carbon emissions and a 61% reduction in methane emissions by 2030. These measures could result in an overall reduction in air pollution exposure of 22 percent by 2030 and save an estimated 7,000 people from premature death due to air pollution by 2030.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite these efforts, challenges remain, including:

Gaps in the institutional and policy framework
Poor institutional capacity for monitoring pollution
Limited equipment for monitoring air and water quality
Inadequate budgetary provision for environmental protection

Future initiatives should focus on:

Gradual move away from fossil fuels
Emission caps on factories and businesses
Increased electrification
Improved waste management facilities

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