By Bunmi Yekini
A major scientific initiative has kicked off in Lagos and Port Harcourt to address the growing public health crisis posed by urban air pollution. The 18-month project, which began on February 1, 2025, is deploying low-cost sensors (LCS) and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) along major transport corridors in both cities.
Funded by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the project aims to gather critical data to shape evidence-based transport and environmental policies in Nigeria.
“This project is designed to fill a long-standing data gap,” said Dr. Rose Alani, Project Lead and Associate Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Lagos. “For too long, policymakers have been forced to make decisions without clear data on pollution from urban transport. Our goal is to change that, starting with Lagos and Port Harcourt.”
PM2.5, tiny, inhalable particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Yet, Nigeria has limited infrastructure for continuous air quality monitoring.
As part of the project:
* 15 low-cost sensors have been installed, 10 in Lagos and 5 in Port Harcourt;
* PM2.5 levels will be monitored continuously for 12 months;
* AI will analyze the data to forecast pollution trends;
* Findings will be made openly accessible to support transparency and public awareness.
Port Harcourt, already burdened by emissions from oil-related activities, is a critical area for air quality interventions.
“Port Harcourt faces compounded air quality issues due to oil-related activities,” explained Prof. Vincent Weli, Director of Weather Forecasting Services at NiMet Abuja and Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Port Harcourt. “This initiative will help us establish a clear baseline and develop science-backed solutions tailored to the city’s unique pollution profile.”
AI will enhance forecasting capabilities, taking into account traffic patterns, weather conditions, and urban growth.
“AI brings a level of sophistication and forecasting power that’s been missing in Nigeria’s air quality management efforts,” said Dr. Davies Rene Segera, an AI and Environmental Data Expert from the University of Nairobi. “Our models will enable forward-looking policies instead of reactive measures.”
Regulatory agencies are already looking to put the data into action.
“At LASEPA, we’re focused on ensuring environmental data leads to real regulatory outcomes,” said Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA). “With solid, localized data, we can better advocate for clean transport systems that safeguard public health.”
From the transport sector, Mr. Abdul Muizz Ogbara, Research and Evaluation Specialist at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), noted: “This work aligns with our goals to create a more sustainable and efficient urban transport network. Evidence-based decisions are key to achieving that.”
The initiative also supports national capacity building, with plans to map all existing air quality monitoring efforts across Nigeria and publish a comprehensive national report.
“This project is a model for how data science and environmental science can converge to address urgent public health issues,” said Richard Sserunjogi of the AirQo team, who is overseeing the project’s technical support, data visualization, and platform development. “We are excited to ensure that this data is accessible, usable, and impactful.”
Nnanna Onyema, a PhD student who is involved in data collection and analysis, said the project is more than academic. “Being part of this project is a chance to contribute meaningfully to a cleaner, healthier future for Nigerian cities, while gaining hands-on experience in both research and community impact.”
The project’s key objectives include:
* Increasing access to transport-related air quality data;
* Predicting future PM2.5 trends using AI;
* Establishing a pollution baseline in Lagos and Port Harcourt;
* Identifying gaps in Nigeria’s national air quality monitoring network;
* Disseminating findings to inform public and policy engagement.
With its combination of cutting-edge technology, public transparency, and policy engagement, the project is poised to become a landmark effort in Nigeria’s fight against urban air pollution.