The FG has commissioned a Vehicular Air Emissions Testing Centre in Nasarawa to curb air pollution, improve health, and promote cleaner skies.
The Federal Government has intensified its fight against air pollution with the commissioning of a Vehicular Air Emissions Testing Centre in Mararaba, Nasarawa State.
The facility, inaugurated on Monday by the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, is part of the administration’s broader plan to improve public health, promote cleaner transport systems, and align Nigeria with global environmental standards.
The project was unveiled in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Lawal, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, described the development as a landmark initiative that brings hope for cleaner skies and healthier communities.
Speaking at the event, the minister stressed that the initiative was not just a ceremonial project but a bold statement of intent by the Federal Government.
“Today’s commissioning is about unveiling hope – hope for clean air, cleaner skies, healthier lungs, and a safer environment for every Nigerian.
“It is a testament to the renewed hope agenda of the present administration and its determination to make clean air accessible to all,” he said.
Lawal cautioned that air pollution remains a silent but deadly threat to society. He explained that its impacts are wide-ranging, cutting across economic, social, and health sectors.
“Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, the rich and poor, and even unborn generations.
“It is a major factor in respiratory diseases, strokes, and heart attacks. Recent studies have also linked it to neurological conditions such as autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and dementia,” the minister said.
He further noted that there is no alternative to clean air, warning that once pollution levels rise unchecked, citizens face irreversible damage to their health and livelihoods.
Highlighting the importance of the new facility, Lawal explained that it would serve multiple purposes beyond emissions testing.
According to him, the centre will act as a hub for scientific research, environmental policy development, and strict enforcement of vehicle emissions regulations.
It will also strengthen Nigeria’s climate change commitments, support sustainable development goals, and contribute to long-term public health targets.
“Through this testing centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards improving air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance and ensuring compliance with emission standards, in line with global best practices,” he added.
The facility, which falls under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), will also provide digital monitoring tools and capacity-building programmes for Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs), ensuring effective enforcement of environmental laws.
Lawal stated that Nasarawa State will serve as a model for replicating the project across the country.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Margaret Elayo, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Hussain Babayayi, welcomed the project, describing it as a timely intervention in the fight against air pollution.
She assured of the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Environment to maximize its impact.
In her contribution, Mrs. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, emphasized that the facility’s success depends on collective responsibility.
“This gladdens my heart because it shows recognition of the fact that cleaner air is vital to our collective well-being.
“Stakeholders must therefore ensure proper usage and maintenance of the equipment,” she noted.
The minister reiterated that the establishment of the Vehicular Air Emissions Testing Centre was a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
“I commission this centre for service to humanity, for cleaner air, for blue skies, and for the well-being of present and future generations,” Lawal declared.
The launch in Nasarawa is expected to pave the way for similar projects across the country, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to global environmental and climate targets.
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