Nigeria’s Rising Air Pollution Crisis and the Work of Atmospheric Scientist Amina Mohammed Chollom
By Salami Adeyinka
Nigeria continues to grapple with a growing air pollution crisis, as several of its major cities record particulate concentrations far beyond international safety limits. In places such as Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt, fine particulate matter in the air frequently exceeds the levels recommended by the World Health Organization, contributing to rising cases of asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other pollution-related illnesses. The issue is heightened by the widespread use of fuel-powered generators, which many households and businesses rely on to fill gaps in electricity supply. The resulting soot and black carbon emissions have become a daily reality for residents, sometimes visible on household surfaces by morning.
This environmental concern has drawn increasing attention within the scientific community, where researchers are working to better understand the composition, movement, and health effects of airborne pollutants. Among those contributing to this effort is atmospheric scientist Amina Mohammed Chollom, whose work highlights both the scale of the problem and the importance of improved monitoring. Chollom, who began her career at the Center for Atmospheric Research in Nigeria, took part in collecting and analyzing air quality measurements in regions across the country. These records are among the limited data available to policymakers and researchers seeking to assess the long-term effects of pollution exposure.
Chollom is now continuing her research in the United States at Brigham Young University, where she studies the chemistry of soot particles at microscopic levels. Her work focuses on how these particles form, how they attach to surfaces, and how they change as they move through the atmosphere. Because of their extremely small size, soot particles can enter the lungs and bloodstream, where they have been linked to a range of serious health outcomes. Understanding their structure and behavior is key to developing more effective strategies for mitigation.
In addition to laboratory research, she is involved in the development of portable air monitoring devices designed for use outside major research facilities. These lower-cost instruments could provide real-time information in locations where monitoring infrastructure is limited. Nigeria currently has very few functioning air quality stations relative to its population size, leaving many communities without data on the level of exposure they face. The introduction of field-ready monitors could support schools, clinics, urban planners, and environmental agencies by offering localized readings that can inform public health decisions.
Colleagues say that beyond the scientific contributions, efforts to expand environmental monitoring capacity in Nigeria could help shift public awareness. Air pollution often progresses quietly, without the immediate visibility associated with other environmental hazards, and many affected communities are unaware of the cumulative risks. Wider access to reliable data could help make the issue more tangible for households, local authorities, and policymakers.
As urbanization continues and energy demand rises, Nigeria faces complex choices regarding industrial development, transportation, and power generation. Researchers argue that data-driven approaches will be essential in shaping policy responses that balance economic needs with public health considerations. The work being carried out by scientists like Chollom forms part of a broader effort to connect environmental research with strategies that can reduce long-term harm and improve air quality for communities nationwide.
