A ground breaking project aimed at tackling urban air pollution in Lagos and Port Harcourt is underway, with the deployment of low-cost sensors (LCS) and artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) along major transport corridors.
The 18-month initiative, titled “PM2.5 Monitoring and Policy Recommendations for Lagos and Port Harcourt Transport Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors and Artificial Intelligence,” officially commenced on February 1, 2025 and is funded by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).
PM2.5-tiny airborne particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream-is a major contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. With sparse air quality monitoring infrastructure across Nigeria, this project represents a critical intervention to support data-driven environmental health and transport policy.
“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.”
Project Overview:
15 Low-Cost Sensors: 10 deployed in Lagos, 5 in Port Harcourt
12-month continuous monitoring of PM2.5 along key transport routes
AI analysis to forecast pollution trends and inform policy
Open-access data to increase transparency and public engagement.
Lagos, Africa’s largest megacity, struggles with intense vehicular traffic, while Port Harcourt faces additional challenges from industrial emissions and black carbon pollution. Both cities are critical targets for effective air quality monitoring and regulatory innovation. “Port Harcourt faces compounded air quality issues due to oil-related activities,” noted 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.
” Using AI, the project will not only track current pollution levels but also predict future patterns based on traffic density, meteorological factors, and urban development trends. “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.”
The project also emphasizes stakeholder engagement and policy translation. “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.” Mr. Abdul Muizz Ogbara, Research and Evaluation Specialist at the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), added: “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 involves building national capacity by mapping all current air quality monitoring efforts in Nigeria and producing a 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, visualization, and data platform development.
“We are excited to ensure that this data is accessible, usable, and impactful.” Mr. Nnanna Onyema, a PhD student supporting data collection and analysis, emphasized: “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.”
According to the statement issued on Friday and made available to Daily Insight Nigeria, the major objectives of the project among others is to “Increase access to air quality data related to transport emissions in Lagos and Port Harcourt, Utilize AI to predict future trends in PM2.5 emissions, Establish a baseline of transport-related air pollution (TRAP) in both cities, Identify opportunities to close national air quality data gaps as well as Disseminate findings to raise awareness and inform stakeholders”.
