Nigeria has opened a Vehicular Air Emissions Testing Centre in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, in a bid to curb rising air pollution and promote public health.
Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, represented by ministry permanent secretary Alhaji Mahmud Kambari, inaugurated the facility on Monday to mark the 2025 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
“Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects children, the elderly, workers, the rich, the poor and even unborn generations,” Lawal said, warning that contaminated air contributes to respiratory diseases, heart attacks, strokes and has been linked to conditions such as autism and dementia.
He described the centre as a “bold step” towards improving air quality by regulating vehicle emissions and aligning with global environmental standards. It will also serve as a hub for testing, research and policy enforcement under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
“This commissioning is not just about equipment; it is about hope — hope for cleaner skies, healthier lungs, and a safer environment for all Nigerians,” the minister added.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Margaret Elayo, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely in the fight against pollution. She pledged the state’s collaboration to ensure success.
Bahijjahtu Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, called for collective responsibility in sustaining the project.
The government said the centre will also support Nigeria’s climate commitments and strengthen training for Vehicle Inspection Officers, with Nasarawa positioned as a model state for clean air initiatives.
