By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor
A major stride toward tackling Nigeria’s urban air pollution crisis has begun as Lagos and Port Harcourt, two of the country’s most affected cities, benefit from a revolutionary air quality monitoring project. The initiative, which officially commenced on February 1, 2025, is deploying low-cost sensors (LCS) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to measure and predict fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels—pollutants known to cause serious respiratory and cardiovascular health issues.
Titled “PM2.5 Monitoring and Policy Recommendations for Lagos and Port Harcourt Transport Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors and Artificial Intelligence,” the 18-month project is funded by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC). It aims to establish an accurate, data-driven foundation for urban transport and environmental policy reforms.
“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,” she added.
Project Objectives:
- Increase access to air quality data on transport-related emissions in Lagos and Port Harcourt.
- Utilize AI to forecast PM2.5 pollution patterns.
- Establish a baseline for transport-related air pollution (TRAP) in both cities.
- Identify opportunities to close national air quality data gaps.
- Disseminate findings to stakeholders and the public.
A Data Revolution for Cleaner Cities
At the heart of the project is a network of 15 low-cost sensors, with 10 in Lagos and 5 in Port Harcourt, strategically placed along critical transport routes. Over a 12-month monitoring period, the sensors will collect real-time data on PM2.5 concentrations. The data will then be analyzed using advanced AI algorithms to forecast pollution trends and support long-term mitigation strategies.
These efforts are particularly crucial in Lagos, Africa’s largest megacity, where persistent vehicular traffic significantly contributes to air quality degradation. Port Harcourt, a city known for oil-related industrial activity and black carbon emissions, faces even more complex pollution challenges.
“Port Harcourt faces compounded air quality issues due to oil-related activities,” said 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.”
Predicting the Future with AI
One of the defining features of the project is the integration of artificial intelligence, which will analyze traffic density, meteorological conditions, and urban development patterns to predict future PM2.5 levels.
“AI brings a level of sophistication and forecasting power that’s been missing in Nigeria’s air quality management efforts,” explained Dr. Davies Rene Segera, AI and Environmental Data Expert from the University of Nairobi. “Our models will enable forward-looking policies instead of reactive measures.”
This predictive capability is expected to transform how Nigeria addresses urban air pollution from a reactive stance to a proactive, prevention-based approach.
Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Impact
A key priority of the initiative is not just data collection, but also translating data into meaningful policy outcomes. According to Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), the project aligns perfectly with the state’s regulatory ambitions.
“At LASEPA, we’re focused on ensuring environmental data leads to real regulatory outcomes,” Dr. Ajayi said.
“With solid, localized data, we can better advocate for clean transport systems that safeguard public health.”
The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) is also on board, seeing the project as a vehicle to support sustainable mobility.
“This work aligns with our goals to create a more sustainable and efficient urban transport network,” said Mr. Abdul Muizz Ogbara, Research and Evaluation Specialist at LAMATA. “Evidence-based decisions are key to achieving that.”
Building Capacity for a National Impact
Beyond its direct interventions in Lagos and Port Harcourt, the project also sets its sights on broader national objectives. These include mapping existing air quality monitoring efforts across Nigeria and producing a comprehensive national report to guide future investments and coordination.
“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 will oversee technical support, data visualization, and platform development. “We are excited to ensure that this data is accessible, usable, and impactful.”
The project also supports youth and academic involvement, providing young researchers with real-world exposure to cutting-edge environmental work.
“Being part of this project is a chance to contribute meaningfully to a cleaner, healthier future for Nigerian cities,” said Mr. Nnanna Onyema, a PhD student involved in data collection and analysis.
“It’s also a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in both research and community impact.”
As Nigeria grapples with rising urbanization, climate change, and public health challenges, this ambitious project provides a timely and scalable model for how science, technology, and policy can come together to create tangible impact.
Contact Information:
Dr. Rose Alani
Lead, Air Quality Monitoring Research Group (AQMRG)
Project Lead / University of Lagos
📧 ralani@unilag.edu.ng
📞 +2348025213236
Funding Acknowledgment:
This project is funded by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC)—a global leader in environmental and energy research and policy innovation.