A Nigerian doctoral researcher in chemical engineering has outlined a strategic plan to address the threat of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in the country, warning that current approaches are insufficient.

Ms. Odunola Latifah Odofin, who specialises in the degradation of persistent pollutants at the University of North Dakota, said Nigeria faces growing exposure risks from the chemicals, which are used in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, textiles and food packaging. Their persistence has led to detection in water, soil and human blood in multiple locations globally, with research linking some PFAS to cancer, liver damage, immune disruption and developmental problems in children.

“The challenge in Nigeria is compounded by a current lack of comprehensive nationwide data on PFAS hotspots, limited public awareness of the risks, and the high cost and technical expertise required for effective remediation,” she said in an interview from the United States. “Many communities may be unknowingly exposed through contaminated water or food.”

Ms. Odofin has proposed the “CLEAR-Nigeria Initiative” — Comprehensive Lifecycle Eradication and Remediation of PFAS — which she described as a multi-pillar framework requiring coordinated action by government, academia, industry, civil society and international partners.

The plan calls for a national survey and risk mapping to locate contamination hotspots, development and testing of cost-effective remediation technologies suited to Nigerian conditions, public education campaigns, stronger regulatory controls on PFAS use and disposal, and training programmes to build local expertise in detection and cleanup.

“It’s not about restricting innovation,” she said of proposed regulations. “It’s about safeguarding our environment and our people’s health for generations to come.”

She noted that her own research focuses on biodegradation-based mitigation, with an emphasis on solutions that can be scaled in regions with limited resources.

According to Ms. Odofin, successful implementation would improve the safety of drinking water, protect ecosystems, reduce the incidence of PFAS-related diseases, enhance food safety, and expand Nigeria’s technical capacity to manage complex pollutants.

“The challenge of PFAS is formidable, but not insurmountable,” she said. “With focused investment in science, unwavering political will, robust community engagement, and a commitment to innovation, we can transform Nigeria’s environment into a safer, healthier place for all.”