A transformative project aimed at combating urban air pollution in two of Nigeria’s largest cities, Lagos and Port Harcourt, is currently underway. The initiative, titled PM2.5 Monitoring and Policy Recommendations for Lagos and Port Harcourt Transport Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors and Artificial Intelligence, is set to revolutionise the way air quality data is collected and utilised across the country.
Launched in February 2025 and funded by the prestigious Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), the 18-month initiative is deploying a network of low-cost sensors (LCS) along key transport corridors in both cities. This project comes at a time when the need for effective air quality monitoring in Nigeria has never been more urgent. PM2.5—tiny airborne particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream—are a leading cause of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. With limited infrastructure for air quality monitoring in Nigeria, this project aims to fill a critical gap in environmental health data.
Dr. Rose Alani, the Project Lead and Associate Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Lagos, stated, “This project is designed to fill a long-standing data gap. For far too long, policymakers have had to make decisions without concrete data on pollution from urban transport. Our aim is to change that, starting with Lagos and Port Harcourt.” Dr. Alani’s work through the Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG) has long been one of the leading advocates for clean air initiatives within Nigeria, and this project is a significant step forward in the battle against urban pollution.
The deployment of 15 low-cost sensors—10 in Lagos and 5 in Port Harcourt—will provide continuous 12-month monitoring of PM2.5 levels along major traffic routes. These sensors, equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), will not only track current pollution levels but also forecast future trends based on variables such as traffic density, meteorological data, and urban development. The use of AI is particularly crucial as it allows for predictive modelling, enabling policymakers to take proactive measures rather than responding reactively to pollution issues.
While Lagos, with its overwhelming vehicular traffic, and Port Harcourt, which faces the added challenge of industrial emissions, are both critical targets for this initiative, the project’s long-term impact could extend beyond these cities. The research also aims to create a comprehensive air quality monitoring framework for the entire nation, ultimately leading to a national report on air quality that could guide future investments and regulatory decisions.
Professor Vincent Weli, Director of Weather Forecasting Services at NiMet Abuja and a Professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of Port Harcourt, commented, “Port Harcourt’s air quality issues are compounded by oil-related activities, and this initiative will allow us to develop science-backed solutions tailored to the city’s unique pollution profile.” This is particularly relevant given the city’s challenges with black carbon pollution, a by-product of industrial activities in the oil sector.
The real power of the project lies not only in data collection but in its potential to drive meaningful policy changes. With open-access data, the initiative seeks to engage the public, local authorities, and key stakeholders in the conversation about air quality and its direct impact on public health. As Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), put it, “With solid, localized data, we can better advocate for clean transport systems that safeguard public health.”
At the heart of this groundbreaking project is the collaborative effort between the University of Lagos, the University of Port Harcourt, the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), NiMet, and EPIC, with contributions from various local and international experts, including Dr. Davies Rene Segera, an AI and Environmental Data Expert from the University of Nairobi. The involvement of the AQMRG under the leadership of Dr. Rose Alani has been pivotal in driving the project’s success, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance environmental monitoring and improve air quality.
Data alone will not solve the pollution problem. The real test lies in the ability of the stakeholders to use the collected data to influence decision-makers and implement lasting change. It is expected that the project’s outcomes translate into actionable policies and sustained improvements in air quality.
Ultimately, this project promises a new dawn for Nigeria, offering hope for healthier urban environments and a more sustainable future. If successful, it could serve as a model for other cities across Africa and beyond, proving that with the right tools, data, and collaboration, significant environmental challenges can be tackled head-on.
“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, overseeing technical support for the project. Under the watch of experts like Dr. Alani and the AQMRG, the initiative may very well prove to be a game-changer in Nigeria’s fight for cleaner, healthier air.