Nigerian environment and health security: Current issues and projections to Year 2050

Abstract

Background: In line with the NUC request to the University of Ibadan to develop a 'Blueprint for Health Security in Nigeria by 2050', this document was prepared to highlight steps and discuss actions required toward achieving this goal. Method: The situation of environmental problems in Nigeria such as: erosion and land subsidence, flooding (coastal, river and urban), drought and desertification, oil pollution from spills, and well blow-outs, biodiversity loss, industrial and municipal pollution from wastes, climate change, toxic and hazardous wastes, including E-waste, were addressed in the blueprint. Results / Comments: Although Nigeria is unlikely to be attacked with nuclear explosives, plans of nuclear power development, makes it desirable for nuclear security and emergency preparedness response measures to be put in place. A holistic forecasting of major environmental health factors is suggested; keeping in view the year 2050 is a little over 3 decades away. In addition, SWOT analysis of Environmental Management was carried out while processes of monitoring and evaluation, as main tools for achieving health security in Nigeria by 2050 were identified and reported. Conclusion: Achieving health care for all by 2050 though a gigantic task, Nigeria has adequate Environmental Health and Scientific manpower and resources to address the issues. This document should educate the general public on Environmental Health and its different components which include; Climate Change, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Environmental Chemical Pollution, Food safety and Hygiene, Waste Management and Air Quality among others.