FG commissions first vehicular emission testing centre to tackle air pollution

The Federal Government has inaugurated a vehicular emission testing centre in Maraba, Nasarawa State, to curb air pollution and promote cleaner air across the country.

Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Adam Mahmud Kambari, commissioned the facility under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to mark the 2025 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.

Lawal said the centre represents a decisive step in addressing air pollution, which he described as a “silent killer” linked to respiratory diseases, heart attacks, strokes, and even neurological disorders.

He noted that poor air quality affects all categories of people and called for urgent action to safeguard public health and the environment.

“The centre is not just a structure but a hub of hope,” the minister said.

“It will serve as a platform for scientific testing, research, and policy enforcement, ensuring Nigeria meets global environmental standards while supporting our climate and public health goals.”

The Director of Pollution Control, Engr. Bahhijattu Abubakar, commended the Nasarawa State government for hosting the pilot scheme.

She explained that the facility uses advanced technology to measure emissions from vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, and hydrogen.

It can track pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), and black carbon.

Abubakar added that the system is designed to digitize and centralize vehicular emission testing nationwide, with real-time monitoring and reporting to eliminate fraudulent certification, enhance transparency, generate revenue, and raise public awareness on environmental sustainability.

According to her, the project will be expanded across the country to ensure all vehicles comply with emission standards in line with global best practices.