Spot the safest Lagos district to live in by the air people breathe. Are their lungs getting better or worse?
To determine the best breathing space, an environment monitoring department in Lagos measured 13 of the busiest areas of the megacity using a scale that placed them within a range from "Good" to being "Hazardous" and here is what was found.
Lagos State, with its bustling population of over 20 million, has taken a significant step towards environmental transparency by publishing data on the air quality of its districts. This initiative by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) is a commendable move in a megacity where the air people breathe has a profound impact on their health and quality of life.
The recent air quality index released by LASEPA on Tuesday 22 October 2024 brought to light the varying conditions across 13 key areas of Lagos. While the LASEPA office and the upscale district of Lekki in Eti-Osa have been deemed the safest for both work and living environments, the full picture of the remaining 11 areas reveals a gradient of air quality ranging from moderate to hazardous.
![Ferry passenger disembarking from the Five Cowries Terminal in Ikoyi, Lagos. [Ayodele Johnson]](https://meiza.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Ferry-passenger-disembarking-from-the-Three-Cowries-Jetty-in-Ikoyi-Lagos.-Ayodele-Johnson.jpg)
Following closely is Surulere, with a very unhealthy rating of 76.1 percent. These figures are alarming and call for urgent attention and action to improve the air quality in these districts.
Mushin and LAMATA Kosefe are not far behind, with ratings of 47.3 percent and 46 percent, respectively, both falling under the ‘unhealthy’ category. The Lagos Port at Apapa, with a score of 36.4 percent, also falls into the ‘unhealthy’ bracket, indicating that the air pollution levels are of concern not just for the general population but also for those with pre-existing health conditions.
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Badagry and Moloney Street are rated as ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ with scores of 23.8 percent and 20.7 percent, respectively. This suggests that individuals with respiratory conditions, children, and the elderly are at a higher risk in these areas.
On a more positive note, Egbeda, NIMET Oshodi, General Hospital Ikeja, and LSDPC Est, Lagos Island, all fall within the ‘moderate’ range. These areas, with scores ranging from 12.1 to 15.7 percent, offer relatively better air quality, though there is still room for improvement to reach the ‘good’ category.
The data presented by LASEPA is a crucial tool for residents and policymakers alike. It provides a clear indication of where efforts need to be concentrated to improve air quality.
For residents, it serves as a guide to make informed decisions about where to live and work, two unmissable considerations in attaining a better life quality. On the government’s part, having its districts highlighted will point the direction to where immediate intervention to reduce pollution levels is quickly needed.
Air Quality Index captured in Lagos today, 22nd October , 2024.
While the air quality may not be optimal, be rest assured that LASEPA is working tirelessly to enhance the state’s air quality. pic.twitter.com/HZVz5lv2IK
— LASEPA (@LasepaOfficial) October 22, 2024
The challenge now lies in knowing all the sources of pollution that determine whether good or bad air. Vehicular emissions and waste burning are no doubt culprits that officials will be looking to curb although achieving this will come at great cost.
Already, Lagosians have started seeing train rides pass through their city although such still remains a novelty. With rail transport, workers could hop on a ride without having to drive themselves to their destinations in private cars breeding more carbon emissions.
