Nasarawa Pioneers Clean Air Initiative With Landmark Vehicle Emissions Testing Centre

Nasarawa State has etched its name in Nigeria’s environmental history as the first to host a Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a groundbreaking initiative under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).

The Centre, commissioned yesterday, signals a significant stride in the nation’s fight against air pollution and promises to unlock new socio-economic opportunities for the state.

The collaborative project, a joint effort between the Federal Government, the Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, aims to curb harmful vehicular emissions, generate employment, boost state revenue, and position Nigeria as a leader in regional environmental compliance.

Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning ceremony, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari hailed the facility as a strategic intervention to safeguard lives and promote sustainable development.

He emphasized the urgent need to address air pollution, describing it as a “silent killer” that impacts all segments of society.

“Air pollution is a silent killer, affecting the quality of life, agricultural output, and the health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it impacts children, the elderly, workers, the rich, the poor, and even unborn generations,” Kambari stated.

He underscored the project’s alignment with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reinforcing Nigeria’s global environmental commitments.

“Through the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a significant step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance and emissions, and ensuring compliance with globally applicable environmental standards,” he added.

The event emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving environmental goals.

Kambari commended Messrs Bhustan Energy, the project’s principal partner, for their contributions and thanked the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, for providing the site for the Centre.

Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the critical role of political will and collaboration in the project’s success. “Without such support, initiatives like this would not come to fruition.

“The visionary Governor of Nasarawa, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project,” she said, urging stakeholders to safeguard the facility for the collective good.

Speaking on behalf of the Nasarawa state government, Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman, highlighted the socio-economic benefits anticipated from the centre.

“The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to combat pollution through environmental testing, thereby improving air quality in the state,” Usman stated.

“Furthermore, this initiative is expected to provide employment and generate more revenue for Nasarawa State. This is very important to us.”

The launch of the Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre in Nasarawa State marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future, setting a precedent for other states to follow.