Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — In a move seen as strengthening Nigeria’s compliance with global environmental standards and boosting investment opportunities in the green economy, the Federal Government has launched a Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre in Nasarawa State.
The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the facility, developed in partnership with the Nasarawa State Government and Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Limited, would serve as both a regulatory tool and an investment enabler for clean energy.
“With the establishment of this Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, Nigeria is taking a bold step towards achieving better air quality by regulating vehicle maintenance, emissions and ensuring compliance with environmental standards as applicable globally,” the Minister said.
The facility, sited at Abacha Central Motor Park in Mararaba, was unveiled as part of activities to mark the 2025 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, the Minister explained that the Centre will act as a hub for testing, research, and policy enforcement while also contributing to Nigeria’s climate change commitments.
“The Centre will serve as a hub for scientific testing, research, and policy enforcement, ensuring that the quality of air we breathe meets acceptable standards,” Kambari stated.
Highlighting the business and economic relevance, Bhustan Energy’s representative, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, said the project introduces real-time data monitoring of emissions, including CO2, PM2.5, PM10, and black carbon, pollutants with significant health and economic costs.
“After the testing, certificates would be generated with QR codes for ease of reference. This is not just about compliance; it is about building confidence for investors and consumers in Nigeria’s clean air policies,” Olatunji said.
Nasarawa State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Margaret Elayo, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Hussain Babayayi, stressed that the project was the first of its kind in Nigeria and would be expanded to other states.
“The commissioning of the Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre Project is a pilot project, and Nasarawa State is proud to have it,” she said.
The government also emphasized the project’s role in reducing health expenditures linked to pollution and opening up new sectors in environmental technology, data services, and compliance certification.
Dr. Bahijjatu Abubakar, Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, underscored the collective responsibility required for its success.
“This Centre is a collective responsibility. Nigerians must ensure the safety of the equipment, because this initiative is for the good of all,” she said.
The Registrar of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, EHCON, Dr. Yakubu Baba-Mohammed, described the initiative as a crucial tool in cutting down harmful vehicular emissions that have long burdened Nigerian cities.
