By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

The Society for Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Mitigation (SETPOM) a Non-profit Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged Nigeria to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into environmental management to combat pollution and protect ecosystems.

Its President, Dr Idowu Aneyo, made the call at the society’s three-day international conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference’s theme was: ‘Driving Environmental Security, Innovation, and Resilience through AI, Research, Industry, and Regulation for Global Livelihoods’.

Aneyo said human activities were degrading ecosystems, making innovative technologies and sustainable practices essential for protecting biodiversity and strengthening environmental resilience.

“Anthropogenic activities have impacted our ecosystems, and our daily activities continue to contribute to their degradation.

“We must arise and reclaim our ecosystems because this is our only home, and we have a responsibility to protect it.

“This is why SETPOM is bringing together stakeholders from academia and industry to promote ecosystem sustainability,” she said.

Aneyo, a lecturer in the Department of Zoology at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said AI and machine learning could improve environmental monitoring, predict ecological disruptions and support timely interventions.

“By harnessing machine learning algorithms, we can analyse vast amounts of environmental data, identify patterns and predict potential ecological disruptions before they occur.

“This proactive approach will help minimise damage to fragile ecosystems and promote sustainability through informed decision-making and resource management,” she added.

She stressed that effective environmental protection required public cooperation alongside government regulations.

“There are regulations, especially in Lagos State, and the government is trying to enforce them. It is we humans who need to accept the change,” she said.

Also, an environmental activist, Dr Desmond Majekodunmi, warned that rising sea levels and climate change could threaten parts of Lagos by 2050.

Majekodunmi, Chairman of the Lekki State Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI), attributed worsening environmental degradation to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss.

He warned that continued emissions could intensify flooding, coastal erosion and extreme weather, threatening communities, infrastructure and institutions, including UNILAG.

He identified industrial activities, fossil fuel consumption, mining, deforestation, agricultural practices, waste disposal and transportation as major contributors to global warming.

Majekodunmi called for collective action by individuals, industries, institutions and governments to address the climate crisis.

He cautioned that prioritising profit over people and the environment could endanger future generations.

“The earth remains uniquely habitable because of its atmosphere, but human activities are increasingly threatening the natural systems that sustain life,” he said.

He, however, expressed optimism that renewable energy, recycling, improved waste management, scientific research and effective regulation could help address the crisis.

Majekodunmi identified solar, wind and water-based energy as cleaner alternatives requiring greater investment and commitment.

He added that African countries, including Nigeria, could avert catastrophic environmental consequences through timely action and sustainable practices.

In his remarks, Prof. Ganiu Oyechibo, Dean of Faculty of Life Sciences, UNILAG, said human activities had severely damaged natural resources and disrupted ecological balance.

Oyechibo, a professor of Geo-Microbiology and Environmental Biotechnology, said the conference offered an opportunity to examine the damage and develop practical solutions.

“We have abused nature and carelessly exploited its resources instead of preserving them for future generations. The extent of the damage is close to complete destruction.

“The first step is to identify the problem. Once we understand the damage, we can begin to develop solutions,” he said.

The conference also featured a green essay competition for junior and senior secondary school students.

In the junior category, Oyenike Adeyemi of Methodist Girls High School emerged winner, while Faridah Moshood of Daltha High School came second and Fathia Zubair of Nurul-Islam Comprehensive High School placed third.

In the senior category, Atoyebi Halimat of Dowen College won, followed by Adewumi Princess of Methodist Girls High School and Kamal Adabale of Crescent High School. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo