FG Commissions Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre
The Federal Government has commissioned the Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, stating that through its establishment, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions, and compliance with environmental standards as applicable globally.
Speaking at the ceremony in Mararaba, Nasarawa State on Monday, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, disclosed that the centre is a landmark facility established under the framework of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) and in commemoration of the International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies 2025.
Lawal also explained, “Today’s commissioning is not just about the usual fanfare of unveiling a structure or a piece of equipment, but it is about unveiling hope for clean air, cleaner skies, healthier lungs, and a safer environment for all Nigerians.”
The minister added, “This is a testament to the renewed hope of the current administration and the desire to ensure that all Nigerians have access to clean air, noting that air pollution is a silent killer and it affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens.
“Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, the rich, the poor and even unborn generations. It is a major causative factor of respiratory problems, heart attacks and strokes and has recently been linked to autism, alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and dementia.”
He therefore maintained, “Since there is no alternative to air, once you breathe, you are susceptible to and at risk of all diseases peculiar to poor air quality. It is imperative that we tackle the menace by taking concrete actions before it becomes irredeemable.
“The centre will serve as a hub for scientific testing, research, and policy enforcement, ensuring that the quality of air we breathe meets acceptable standards. It will also support our climate commitments, our public health objectives, and our pursuit of sustainable development.”
Also, Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Bahijjahtu Abubakar, commended Messrs Bhustan Energy, principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of the event, especially the Nasarawa State government, which worked hand in hand with the Federal Government.
Abubakar argued that “clean air is not a luxury, but a right. Today, we take another step towards securing that right for every Nigerian. As we plan to launch the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in Nigeria, I call on vehicle owners to seize this opportunity to test their vehicles’ emissions.
“We will be working together to make Nasarawa State a model for Nigeria in this regard with a robust IT applications training program for the Vehicle Inspection Officers to support this initiative for the progress of the country in general,” she remarked.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment recognizes the contributions of our development partners – UNIDO, UNEP. OXFAM, UNDP and many others, too numerous to mention, who have provided intellectual, technological inputs as well as other forms of support. to make it a success.”
Contributing, the representatives of Bhustan Energy & Environmental Services Limited, Rotimi Olatunde, said they are happy to be standing partners in the project, stating that its objective is to generate real-time data as well as test carbon dioxide and other substances in order to issue certificates.
SOURCE: The Guardian