Female engineers urge increased investment in air quality infrastructure

The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) Lagos Chapter has appealed to government and international agencies to prioritise and fund initiatives that improve air quality, and protect the planet, and people in urban areas.

Chairman of the association, Mrs Atinuke Owolabi, made the call at a forum to mark the 2024 International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies in Lagos.

Owolabi said with increasing pollution in cities, it has become imperative for the global community to raise awareness about the importance of clean air for health, the environment, and overall well-being. She highlighted the urgent need to prioritise and fund investment in infrastructure that improves air quality.

According to her, air quality in Lagos and across Nigeria is a pressing concern due to industrial and vehicle emissions, and open waste burning. These pollutants, she explained not only degrade the environment but also pose severe health risks, especially in densely populated urban and peri-urban areas.

Owolabi noted that addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that combines innovation, education and community engagement. “We are deeply committed to contributing to solutions that enhance both air and water quality as part of our ongoing efforts to support sustainable development and improve public health,” she said.

She observed the critical need for improved sanitation facilities, as some communities currently have no toilets.

For her, lack of basic sanitation not only contributes to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera but also leads to open defecation, which impacts air quality through the emission of harmful gases and improper waste disposal.

Owolabi said: “We are calling on the United Nations, international organisations, government agencies, private organisations, and compassionate individuals to join us in providing sustainable solutions for the Ilaje Ayetoro Makoko community. We need support to build proper toilet facilities and implement waste management systems that will significantly improve both water and air quality, enhance public health, and contribute to a cleaner and safer environment.

“Investing in such infrastructure not only addresses immediate sanitation needs but also aligns with our broader commitment to reduce environmental pollution and promote sustainable development.”

She further expressed the association’s commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions and training programme to equip young female engineers with the skills needed for solar energy systems. Owolabi stressed that solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power that reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thus cutting down on air pollution from traditional energy sources.

The training, she said, will empower the next generation of female engineers and contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.

“It aligns with our vision of promoting clean air and environmental sustainability, both locally and nationally. We urge everyone to join us in these initiatives to build a healthier, more sustainable future for Nigeria, where clean air and safe water are rights enjoyed by all,” Owolabi said.