The Hidden Cost of Electricity
In Nigeria, the hum of diesel backup generators is a daily soundtrack. As the country grapples with one of the world’s most unreliable power grids, these backup machines have become a lifeline for millions. But that lifeline comes with a steep price: toxic air, serious health risks, and rising carbon emissions.
During my trip to Nigeria, I witnessed the issue firsthand. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was hit by the thick, metallic scent of fuel. That smell lingered through the airport, along city roads, and into people’s homes. It wasn’t just an unpleasant odor. It was a warning sign of a deeper problem.
The smell came from the country’s widespread use of diesel generators. With the national grid supplying electricity inconsistently (often just a few hours each day) most households and businesses rely on diesel-powered machines to keep the lights on.
Why This Matters: Millions in Nigeria rely on toxic diesel generators for basic energy, exposing themselves to dangerous pollution every day. Many African countries face similar challenges, but these issues are often overlooked, largely because they don’t affect wealthy communities.
The Airport
House
The Street
A Nation in the Dark Powered by Fumes
Despite ₦5 trillion ($3.2 billion USD) invested in electricity, unreliable power forces millions to depend on deadly diesel generators.
The Shocking Reality
₦5 Trillion
Government Investment
150M+
Still Without Reliable Power
About 70% of the population earns less than $3.20 a day, making it difficult to afford even the fuel to run a generator.
4 Hours
Average daily electricity access for most citizens (typically early in the morning).
206
Power grid collapses 2010 and 2019 alone.
22M
Diesel generators imported since 2019.
51M Tons
of CO₂ emitted annually comparable to the annual emissions of New York City. to New York City.
Generator Emissions Are Worse Than Cars
Unlike vehicle emissions, which have environmental regulations, Nigeria has no policies monitoring generator pollution. With generators being the primary power source for most homes, their environmental impact far exceeds that of automobiles.
A Silent Killer
The Deadly Chemistry of Diesel Exhaust
Diesel exhaust contains a toxic cocktail of over 40 hazardous pollutants. The most dangerous component is Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) tiny carbon particles coated with carcinogenic compounds.
Proven Dangers
- US EPA: Lists 40 contaminants in diesel fuel as hazardous air pollutants
- IARC: Identified 15 of the contaminants as cancer-causing carcinogens
- Research: Prolonged exposure to diesel generators increases lung cancer risk by 70%
What's Inside DPM?
- PM2.5 particles: Penetrate deep into lungs and bloodstream
- PAHs (Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons): Known carcinogens
- Heavy metals: Toxic to organs and nervous system
- Hydrogen sulfide: Disrupts respiratory enzymes, cause serious respiratory issues, memory loss, and even miscarriage
Composition of a Diesel Particle
The Human Cost
64 Deaths
Recorded by NEPA from carbon monoxide poisoning due to poor ventilation with generators
These particles are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can trigger inflammation, respiratory diseases, and cancer. It is especially concerning because it can enter the bloodstream and affect other organs. Research shows that long-term exposure to diesel exhaust significantly increases the risk of lung cancer. In animal studies, diesel fumes have caused both benign and malignant tumors. Other reported effects in humans include headaches, nausea, irritation of the eyes and throat, and decreased lung function.