FG Commissions First Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre for Improved Air Quality in Nigeria
In a landmark move towards promoting cleaner air and skies, healthier lungs, and a safer environment for all Nigerians, the Federal Government today commissioned the country’s first Vehicular Emission Testing Centre.
The Centre was developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, Nasarawa State government, and Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Limited in commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
At the ceremony held in Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Environment Minister, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Kambari, stated that the Centre would serve as a hub for scientific testing, research, and policy enforcement, ensuring that the air quality meets acceptable global standards.
Lawal described air pollution as a silent killer affecting quality of life, agricultural output, health, and well-being. He emphasized that air contamination is indiscriminate, affecting children, the elderly, workers, and future generations, and is linked to respiratory problems, heart attacks, strokes, autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and dementia.
In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to preserve the environment for a healthier Nigeria, Lawal emphasized the need for concrete action to tackle air pollution.
He commended Bhustan Energies and the Nasarawa State Government for their support and announced plans to make Nasarawa a model state through robust IT applications and training for Vehicle Inspection Officers.
The Minister urged vehicle owners to collaborate by submitting their vehicles for emissions testing and adopting good vehicular maintenance practices for cleaner air and a healthier environment.
The Representative of Bhustan Energy and Environmental Services Limited, Mr. Rotimi Olatunji, highlighted that the Testing Centre aims to digitize and centralize vehicle emission testing across the country, ensure real-time monitoring and reporting of emission data, eliminate fraudulent certification practices, support government revenue generation and environmental sustainability.
In a vote of thanks, the Ministry’s Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Engr. Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of the equipment and commended the Nasarawa State Government, Bhustan Energy, and other stakeholders for their support in ensuring the launch of the pioneer project
