Nasarawa State has become the pioneer host of Nigeria’s first Vehicular Emissions Testing Centre, a landmark initiative under the National Clean Air Programme aimed at tackling air pollution while unlocking socio-economic opportunities.
The centre, jointly facilitated by the federal government, Nasarawa State Government, and private sector partners, is expected to curb harmful vehicular emissions, create jobs, boost revenue, and position Nigeria as a regional leader in environmental compliance.
Representing the Minister of Environment at the commissioning, Permanent Secretary Mahmud Kambari described the facility as a strategic intervention to protect lives and promote sustainable development. He said, “Air pollution is a silent killer. It affects the quality of life, agricultural output, health and well-being of all citizens. Air contamination does not discriminate; it affects children, the elderly, workers, rich, poor and even unborn generations.”
Kambari noted that the project aligned with international best practices, ensuring stricter regulation of vehicle emissions and reaffirming Nigeria’s global environmental commitments. He added, “Through 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 is applicable globally.”
The event also showcased the strength of partnerships in advancing environmental goals. Commending stakeholders, Kambari stated, “I would like to commend Messrs Bhustan Energy, our principal partner on this project, for their unrelenting contributions to the success of today’s event. I also wish to thank the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State who worked hand in hand with us to provide the site for the centre.”
Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Dr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, emphasised that political will and collaboration were crucial to the project’s success. She said, “Without the support, initiatives like this will not see the light of day. The visionary governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, has taken the initial step by becoming the pioneer in what will eventually become a nationwide project.” She urged stakeholders to safeguard the facility, stressing, “This centre is a collective responsibility of all the people gathered here. It is our project and we must do all we can to ensure the safety of the equipment because it is for our collective good.”
Speaking on behalf of the Nasarawa State Government, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Hussain Usman, underlined the socio-economic benefits of the project. He said, “The state is ready to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Environment to fight the pollution through environmental tests to improve the air quality in the state. To provide employment, apart from that, also to generate more revenue for the state. This is very, very important to us in Nasarawa State.”
