Expert Identifies Air Pollution, Climate Change as Grand Challenges to Sustainability in Nigeria
- Engr. Azeez Agoro, the new chairman of the Lagos state chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers, has stressed the importance of environmental impact assessment
- Engr. Agoro urged authorities to increase awareness about environmental assessment, to improve compliance
- According to the new NIEE Lagos helmsman, EIA’s positive impacts will mitigate any negative potentials on environmental components and ways of life of Nigerians
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Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering energy and environmental issues.
Ikeja, Lagos state - Engr. Azeez Agoro, chairman of the Lagos state chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Environmental Engineers (NIEE), has said environmental impact assessment (EIA) remains a fundamental pillar in ensuring sustainable development.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 9, during the inauguration ceremony of the new state executives, Agoro explained that engineering has the power to address the greatest challenges of every era, equipping humanity with the measures to enhance the quality of life.
Source: UGC
The event, themed ‘Driving Climate-friendly Clean Energy for Sustainable Economic Growth,’ had in attendance eminent engineers, professional/industry leaders, and students.
Agoro said:
“Environmental engineering practices have never been more critical than they are today. Across the world, climate change, pollution, energy challenges, and waste management remain pressing concerns. Here in Lagos, a city with unique environmental dynamics and over 20 million inhabitants, we must take the lead in driving innovative, practical, and sustainable solutions that safeguard our environment for today and future generations.”
Furthermore, Agoro, the 6th chairman of the NIEE, Lagos state chapter, stated that safety and regulatory compliance must be taken seriously, adding that environmental protection is a shared duty among stakeholders - government, industries, communities, and individuals.
“We must work together to champion advocacy and reforms that drive sustainable development. Our collective expertise and dedication will be instrumental in shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment in Lagos state.”
A distinguished environment, health, and safety professional, Agoro has over two decades of expertise in the oil and gas industry, including 18 years with Chevron Nigeria Limited, which has been marked with notable contributions to environmental management and regulatory compliance.
Currently serving as Operational Excellence (OE) Assurance Advisor at Chevron Nigeria Limited, Engr Agoro’s vast experience in environmental management, regulatory compliance, technical safety studies, and stakeholders’ engagement has positioned him as a leading voice in the field of environmental engineering.
Measures to mitigate effects of climate change in Nigeria
Meanwhile, speaking to Legit.ng on the sidelines of the event, Engr Agoro’s predecessor, Engr Yusuf Majolagbe, counselled relevant authorities to prioritise transitioning into a climate-free environment.
He said:
“There must be a solid public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. As we speak, the Lagos state government is looking at one of the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is beginning to think about alternative sources of fuel - from wastewater and solid waste.
“All of these things we see as waste, if we begin to put on our circular economy thinking cap, that means that those wastes would not continue to cause global warming in our atmosphere as well as flooding problems. So, we would now convert them to something which is useful, which is biomethane.”
Source: Original
Other dignitaries at the occasion include the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom in Lagos state, Oba Adeoriyomi Akeem Oyebo; Engr Sesan Odukoya, the 13th national chairman of the NIEE; and Engr Nureni Ogunyemi, NIEE national chairman.
Read more environmental news in Nigeria:
- How govt can contribute to promotion of sustainable plastic value chain in Nigeria
- Lagos chairman of environmental engineers outlines 5 priorities for new minister of water resources, Prof Utsev
- Lagos environmental experts react as state govt bans single-use plastics, styrofoam, make suggestions
Air pollution associated with incidences of respiratory disease
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Engr. Majolagbe said Lagos state, the heartbeat of Africa's most populous country, has endured a difficult battle with pollution over the years.
The environmental expert noted that pollution is a major problem in many cities around the world, but it is especially bad in some of the world’s biggest cities like Lagos.
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Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.
Nkem Ikeke (Copy editor) Nkem Ikeke is currently a copy editor who also writes for the politics and current affairs desk on weekends. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (2010), and has over 10 years of work experience in the media industry (Reporter, News Agency of Nigeria). Email: n.ikeke@corp.legit.ng
