The Federal Government (FG) has begun the promotion of low sulphur fuels and compressed natural gas (CNG), promising Nigerians, and relevant key players the use of cleaner fuels that will significantly reduce air pollution and human health challenges.
Minister of Environment, Balarabe A. Lawal made the assertion while inaugurating the Inter-Agency Committee on Fuels to promote the use of low Sulphur Fuels and Compressed Natural Gas in the country in Abuja.
Balarabe lamented that high sulphur fuels have been linked to rising cases of asthma attacks, acute/chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive lung diseases, causing many other ailments as a result of high sulphur in petroleum products.
He therefore argued that the reviewed Nigeria Industrial Standards for Sulphur concentration in Petrol, Diesel and Kerosene was made possible by the mandate of the Ministry and support from the critical stakeholders.
The Minister disclosed that the standards are as follows: Diesel – From 300ppm to 500ppm; Petrol – 1, 500ppm to 150ppm and Kerosene -1, 500ppm to 150ppm in 2016 and transition was proposed in 2017-2019.
Explaining further, Lawal emphasized on the rise of the use of high sulphur concentrations in fuels that resulted to associated rise in extreme weather, dirty air and others effects of climate change, and lead to action towards ensuring a cleaner fuel, environment and improved public health for our generation.
“Terms of reference are: creation of a pollution monitoring team, quality reporting on finding, Annual Report to Federal Executive Council, simulation and pollution projection and mitigation goals and develop action plans for cleaner fuels to enable Nigeria attain climate, health and developmental goals.”
Earlier, Director, Environmental Assessment, Mrs B.Bolorunduro, doubled as the Acting Permanent Secretary urged the committee to put their wealth of experience together to attain the term of reference ((ToR) of the National Assignment.
Also, Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Mrs Bahijjatu Abubakar, thanked all committee members for accepting to serve in order to support the Ministry in its bid to achieve clean air and healthy environment.
