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Saturday, August 9, 2025

Can Lagos Breathe? Navigating megacity's urgent environmental challenge asks Remmy Nweke - NaijaAgroNet

Features, ... Linking agrobiz, sustainable environs, people & technology


Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, is grappling with severe environmental challenges due to its rapid growth as one of the world's fastest-growing world megacity. The city faces multifaceted environmental sanitation issues, impacting the health and well-being of its residents.
Can Lagos Breathe? Navigating megacity's urgent environmental challenge asks Remmy Nweke - NaijaAgroNet
The city's daily waste generation exceeds 13,000 metric tonnes, with a significant portion remaining uncollected. Air pollution levels are 5-7 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended levels, resulting in an estimated 11,200 premature deaths in 2018.

Limited access to safe, treated drinking water forces many to rely on potentially contaminated sources, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases like cholera and diarrhea.

The primary sources of pollution include vehicle emissions, with over 227 vehicles per kilometer of road, most of which are over 15 years old and use fuel with high sulfur content. Industrial activities and the use of diesel generators for power also significantly contribute to air pollution.

To address these challenges, Lagos can invest in improving waste management infrastructure and enforcing regulations to reduce pollution. Promoting clean energy sources like solar power can reduce dependence on polluting generators. Effective recycling programs and public awareness campaigns can also help manage waste and educate citizens on proper disposal and environmental conservation.

Individuals can contribute by disposing of waste properly, participating in recycling programs, using public transport, and supporting clean energy sources. Staying informed about environmental issues and advocating for sustainable practices can also make a significant difference.

By working together, Lagos can mitigate its environmental challenges and improve the health and well-being of its residents.

... by Remmy Nweke


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