Nigerians spend N1.6 Trillion on generators annually- NESRA

Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESRA), Lawrence Anukam, has said that recent statistics from the Centre for Management Development, indicate that an estimated 60 million Nigerians spent about N1.6 trillion on generators annually.

Anukam, who made this disclosure at a press briefing on the implementation of the National Generator Emission Control Programme (NGECP) in Abuja.

He said that atmospheric pollution is gradually becoming a serious menace in Nigerian cities especially metropolitan areas, where the use of power generating sets have become an alternative to electrical power supply.

Anukam stated that WHO Report in the year 2016, holds that ambient air pollution was responsible for 4.2 million deaths worldwide, while it is estimated to cause 16 per cent of the lung cancer for deaths, 25 per cent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 17 per cent of ischemic heart disease and stroke and 26 per cent of respiratory infection deaths.

However he said, the wide range and indiscriminate use of these generators for both domestic and industrial power supply emits dangerous pollutants  and the quantum of harmful pollutant such that contribute greatly to the poor air quality which negatively affects the environment and human health.

He said:  “Many cities around the world, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, are experiencing rapid growth; yet in the absence of adequate environmental policy and action, this growth is occurring at considerable, and often increasing economic and social costs.

“The increase in pollution and economic development has escalated the proliferation of industries, use of motor vehicles and the use of generators as alternative energy sources has led to the prevalent. Worldwide air pollution situation which poses a serious environmental threat globally.”

The NESRA boss added: “NESRA in its duties, has the responsibility to enforce compliance with provisions of international agreements; one of such agreement is the United Nations Frame Work Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which led to the adoption of the 2015 Paris Agreement.

“Under the agreement, each countries submitted an emission reduction proposal known as the Intended National Determined Contribution (INDC’s), at the conference, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari pledged that Nigeria would reduce its greenhouse emissions by 20% conditionally and 45% unconditionally.

The Federal Government is considering 30% of energy efficiency in industries, homes, businesses vehicles and renewable energy.

“The commitment strives to build a climate resilient society across the diverse terrain of Nigeria. It involves measures being considered in setting standards for appliances, generators, buildings and climate smart agriculture,” he said