EHCON Unveils Technology To Phase-out Emissions, Protect Public Health

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

The Environmental Health Council of Nigeria (EHCON) has unveiled a technology meant to phase-out Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and protect public health from emerging diseases, in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. 

Tagged Oxytane Fuel Additive, it is designed to enhance engine performance, increase fuel efficiency by over 25 percent, and reduce harmful emissions by up to 70 percent. It has been tested on high-capacity generators, including at the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation.

Oxytane works by cleaning fuel injectors, removing carbon deposits, and improving combustion in petrol, diesel, and kerosene engines. It is used for personal vehicles, generators, and industrial equipment. 

Unveiled by EHCON in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Environment and Oxytane Africa Investment Limited, the initiative will strengthen environmental governance and control Nigeria's carbon footprints. 

These formed the crux of discuss  on Tuesday at the launch of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Initiative of the Environmental Health Council of Nigeria, under the National Air Quality Programme of the Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja. 

The Registrar of EHCON, Dr Yakubu Baba noted that the event marked a decisive step in Nigeria’s journey toward attaining cleaner air, healthier communities, and a sustainable future.

Why Oxytane 

The spike in diseases linked to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions have consistently dominated major discourse across the country.

Regrettably, respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and other pollution-related conditions are imposing heavy burdens on families, health systems, and national productivity.

Baba hinted that clean air is not optional, since it is essential for life, health, and economic growth.

He said that EHCON, being the statutory regulator of environmental health practice in Nigeria is mandated to not only enforce standards but also to implement preventive interventions that protect public health at scale.

The registrar informed that Oxytane Fuel Additive is one of such preventive interventions, describing it as a solution that has the capacity to reduce carbon emissions by up to 70 percent and fossil fuel consumption by approximately 30 percent. 

Public Health Intervention 

By reducing emissions from vehicles, generators, and industries, the technology will also reduce the pollutants that Nigerians inhale daily.

This, the registrar informed will translate to cleaner urban air, reduced disease burden and healthcare costs, improved environmental sustainability, and greater fuel efficiency and economic savings.

While describing the technology as a solution that will benefit both the environment and the economy, he noted that it aligned with National and Global Commitments, Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

Also, the Climate Change Act, National Environmental Health Practice Regulations 2024 and  National Air Quality Programme. 

He added: "This is not just a technological improvement; it is a public health intervention."

Sustainable Devt Goals

The innovation will directly strengthen the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) especially goal 3 that centers on good health and well-being.

Baba emphasised that SDG 11 (sustainable cities), SDG 12 (responsible consumption), and SDG 13 (climate action) are part of the thematic areas that the technology will support. 

The registrar pointed out that the innovation strongly supports the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on environmental sustainability, economic productivity, public sector efficiency and protection of citizens’ welfare. 

"By reducing fuel consumption, we support economic efficiency; by reducing emissions, we protect the environment; and by improving air quality, we protect public health.

"This initiative represents Renewed Hope translated into environmental action " he said. 

The adoption and implementation  of Oxytane Fuel Additive by EHCON is a major milestone in protecting the environment from emerging diseases for the wellbeing of Nigerians and national development.