ABUJA: The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the National Emergency Response Initiative on Environmental Public Health Impacts of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (NERI-EPHIGGE) nationwide.
Dr Yakubu Baba, Registrar of EHCON, made the declaration on Monday during the Stakeholders Engagement on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Declaration of a Public Health Emergency on Environmental-Related Diseases in Abuja.
He explained that the NERI-EPHIGGE framework provides a coordinated, results-driven approach to tackling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, noting that environmental-related diseases linked to GHGs remain one of Nigeria’s most pressing yet under-recognised public health challenges.
“Immediate and coordinated action is essential to prevent further loss of lives and safeguard national development,” Baba said.
EHCON plans to deploy Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) to all 774 local government areas and six area councils of the FCT to serve as frontline agents for environmental surveillance, compliance monitoring, and community risk communication.
Baba also highlighted plans for mandatory emissions testing, environmental health compliance certification, and standardised reporting mechanisms for industries and transport operators, in collaboration with key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He said continuous professional training for EHPs will ensure effective surveillance, data collection, risk assessment, and community engagement, aligning the initiative with Nigeria’s Climate Change Act, national regulations, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr Samuel Akingbehin, National President of the Environmental Health and Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria, pledged the association’s support to bridge government policy with grassroots implementation. Mr Obriki Juliano, CEO of Oxytane Africa Investment Ltd, promised to collaborate with EHCON to reduce emissions and enhance fuel efficiency in transportation, power, and industry.
