Environment
Why Do We Have Harmattan In Nigeria
Harmattan is caused by north-easterly trade wind, blown from the Sahara Desert over the West African Sub-region. As the Saharan wind passes, it collects or lifts Particulate Matter ranging from ultrafine particles – > 0.1 nano meter in diameter to fine particles – 0.1 – 10 micro meter in diameter; popularly known as Dust. This phenomenon leads to low temperature, reducing radiation from the sun, low visibility and increases air pollution.
Should we be concerned about Harmattan?
Yes. During harmattan air quality worsens as dust get mixed with existing emissions from industries, construction sites, vehicles, fossil fuel burning, etc. The harmattan season poses environment and public health challenges especially respiratory and cardiovascular health problems which may increase morbidity and mortality, hence the need for seasonal mitigation plans.
Fine particles, especially PM2.5,poses the greatest risk as they can travel deep into the lungs and bloodstream and affect the lungs and heart. The sensitive groups are at greater risk to air pollution, these include children and infants, the elderly, people with existing respiratory diseases (asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease etc.), people with ischaemic heart disease (angina pectoris), expectant mothers etc. Other short-term health effects include irritation of the eye, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, shortness of breath, etc.
What can Government and individuals do?
Below are some mitigation measures that can be taken to reduce environment and health impact of harmattan:
1. Government should enforce “Construction of Dust Emission Mitigation Measures” for all site dust management: This should be stated in the environmental management plan (EMP) and Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) for implementation in all construction companies.
2. Sustainable Agricultural Practices. Educate and sensitise farmers on minimum tillage practice, etc. to keep soil covered with plant residues. Better soil management techniques to reduce/control wind erosion in cropland, provide protective barriers.
3. Sustainable landscape management of cropland, grassland, dune fields, mines and building sites and establishment of vegetation cover tree crops/shrubs.
4. Early warning signs. Government should provide early warning signs, forecast and enlightenment programmes for the public to take personal care and prevent exposure especially areas with higher vulnerability. This is where Air Quality Monitoring becomes important.
Personal Care Measures:
1. Avoid/Reduce outdoor activities at peak hours especially sensitive groups (i.e., children, elderly, people with existing respiratory diseases such as asthma etc.)
2. Practice regular sprinkling of water to reduce dust emission in your surrounding
3. Wear face/Nose mask during outdoor activities
4. Close your windows/doors to prevent outdoor polluted air.
5. Drink plenty of water regularly to keep hydrated.
6. Keep warm.
7. Wash your eyes with clean water if you feel irritated.
8. Apply moisturising lotion/cream to keep your skin moisturised.
9. Seek medical help if you feel sick.
10. Keep updated with daily weather and air quality forecast.
The Lagos State Government has commenced installation of new pumps at the Iju Headworks and Akute water intake stations.
The Tide source reports that the project is aimed at increasing water production, improving operational efficiency and expanding access to potable water across the state.
A statement issued by the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) over the weekend said the project was approved and funded by the state government.
It said the installation was part of the rehabilitation of the Iju Headworks and Akute Intake Station under Lots 1, 2 and 3.
According to LWC, the rehabilitation is designed to modernise water production facilities, strengthen operations and improve public water supply.
The Network of Female Professionals in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Nigeria (FEMinWASH) and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) are set to partner on gender-responsive systems strengthening, capacity development and WASH initiatives.
The partnership was proposed during a courtesy visit by a FEMinWASH delegation, led by its President and Convener, Dr Boluwaji Onabolu, to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, in Abuja.
Onabolu, who conveyed greetings from FEMinWASH Patron, retired Engineer Ebele Okeke, commended Walson-Jack for upholding the Federal Civil Service’s EPIC values of Efficient, Productive, Incorruptible and Citizen-centred leadership.
She praised the HoCSF’s efforts in advancing gender inclusion in WASH and the civil service, including the development of the National Gender in Water Resources Mainstreaming Policy and mentoring programmes for women leaders.
Onabolu also highlighted the INSPIRE (Inclusive Network for Supporting Progressive Leadership, Innovation, Reform and Equity for Women) programme, aimed at strengthening women’s leadership and inclusion.
She said FEMinWASH was seeking a formal partnership and Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the OHCSF to support INSPIRE, WASH advocacy, capacity building and the institutionalisation of Gender-Responsive Budgeting across the Federal Civil Service.
Responding, Walson-Jack commended the diverse expertise of the FEMinWASH delegation, noting that professionals in WASH, water resources, environment, public health, town planning and education were critical to addressing development challenges.
She welcomed the proposed partnership, assuring that the OHCSF was ready to collaborate with FEMinWASH on civil service strengthening and WASH-related initiatives.
The meeting agreed to further engagements with Dr Garba, Permanent Secretary (Special Duties), and Ms Funke Baruwa, Lead for Partnerships at the OHCSF, to advance the collaboration.
The visit ended with a photo session and exchange of gifts between both parties.
The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, commended the community on the massive turn-out for sanitation.
He also appreciated the chairman and his team for their support to the ministry.
Rotimi-Akodu urged the community to continue to support the council and by extension, the government, by participating in the exercise and engaging in proper disposal of wastes.
“We have heard your appeal, and I assure you that Lagos government will do something about it.
“Although we have PSP operators in this axis, maybe they were assigned to other areas.
“However, I will ensure something is done and residents will observe the improvement.” the advisor said.
Also, the Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LASMA), Mr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said that waste management was a collective exercise.
Gbadegbesin, therefore, appealed to the residents to always dispose of their wastes properly.
“You must bag your waste at home. Make sure you have a bin to keep the waste for few days, even if there is a delay by the PSP operator.
“Make sure you pay your PSP operator on time because there is no way they can provide that service if you are not paying them regularly.
The Non Governmental Organization (NGO) Go Green Nigeria Foundation, , has called for more stringent government efforts toward prohibition of illegal sand mining in Rivers, following erosion threats.
The founder of NGO Dr John Babington made the call on last Monday in Umuechem, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers, to commemorate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.
Babington, who sensitised the community on dangers associated with crude sand mining, donated some trees as part of efforts to promote tree planting and revitalisation of the altered mangrove ecosystem.
During an interactive session with the community, the environmental expert identified various concerns and commended residents for their willingness to work together to end the excavation.
He, however, dismissed the notion that illegal sand mining was due to poverty and unemployment, saying, ”the business is a capital intensive venture that could only be operated by a rich cartel.”
He said that though the business might have provided menial jobs for few youths, it had not in any manner addressed poverty.
Presently, the landscape is altered with an artificial river encroaching a major access road and threatening public safety,” he said.
Also speaking, a senior Chief in the community, Chief Gilbert Otamiri commended the NGO for the initiative and promised to collaborate with them.
Gilbert, however, urged the government to tackle unemployment which, he said, was a major promoter of the illegal excavation
Also speaking, The Community Development Chairman (CDC) Mr Agbam Mgbechi thanked the group for the sensitisation and donation of trees.
He called on the government and concerned induviduals to emulate the group by making efforts towards salvaging the area from further environmental damage.
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