The Federal Government has said air pollution costs societies over $5 trillion annually.
Mrs. Monilola Udo, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, stated this in Abuja while declaring open the sensitisation workshop on the Promotion of the Internet of Things (IOT) for Technology Air quality monitoring in the environment.
Monilola said the Internet of Things, refers to the Internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects enabling them to send and receive data.
She explained that the internet of things has a lot of climate-related potential such as monitoring air quality, and water quality, pointing out that it is the engine that will drive Nigeria into the much anticipated smart city environment.
She, therefore, enjoined the participants to take advantage of the workshop and policies of the Ministry of Research and Innovation.
Earlier, Dr. Peter Ekwuozor, Director of the Environmental Science Technology Department in the Ministry, said that IOT is a great intervention for monitoring air quality both indoors and outdoors.
Ekwuozor further said the IOT will help to develop effective policy means, control harmful emissions and consequently limit health burdens in the country.(Independent)