Expert Links Rising Cancer, Birth Defects to Industrial Emissions

A health and environmental consultant, Dr. Obi Anyadiegwu, has raised concerns over the increasing cases of cancer, kidney, and liver diseases, as well as birth deformities, linking them to harmful industrial emissions in major Nigerian cities.

Speaking at a GEF-UNIDO workshop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Anyadiegwu highlighted that pollutants from factories contaminate water sources, leading to severe health consequences. He cited cities like Port Harcourt, Kano, Aba, and Onitsha as hotspots for dangerous emissions.  

The Federal Government revealed that 41% of public drinking water sources are contaminated, with figures rising to 70% at the point of consumption.  

Anyadiegwu stressed the urgent need for industries to adopt cleaner production methods to minimize harmful emissions, which contribute to climate change, acid rain, and environmental degradation. He urged industries to leverage UNIDO’s support for sustainable practices and called for stricter environmental regulations.  

While acknowledging government efforts, he emphasized that more must be done to curb pollution and safeguard public health.