In Nigeria, heavy soot pollution is a daily challenge linked to traditional smoked foods and crude oil burning. Photographer Taiwo Aina-Adeokun’s journey reveals the health impacts and cultural ties behind the smoke.
- Soot comes from both food traditions and oil industry activities
- Respiratory and heart health risks are common
- Low-income households and women face the greatest exposure
What happened
Taiwo Aina-Adeokun spent months documenting the thick plumes of sooty smoke that hang over parts of Nigeria. The pollution is largely caused by widespread use of burning wood for cooking—especially to prepare smoked foods—and flaring and burning related to crude oil extraction and refining. These sources release black carbon, a fine pollutant that easily penetrates humans’ lungs and bloodstream.
In areas like Port Harcourt and Ogoniland in Rivers State, the practice of using charcoal and wood fires endures due to tradition and limited access to cleaner fuels like electricity or gas, which are often unaffordable. Illegal refineries also contribute significantly, though government crackdowns have reduced some emissions in recent years.
Why it feels good
Despite the health risks, many Nigerians view the smoke as part of their lifestyle rather than a problem. The distinctive smoky flavor is a hallmark of local cuisine and deeply connected to cultural identity, particularly in seafood and street food communities. Vendors often choose charcoal even if they can afford other fuel sources because it enhances taste.
This familiar daily presence of soot accompanies long-standing traditions and economic realities in communities where alternative energy is scarce. People have adapted over decades to living amid these smoky conditions, creating a complex interplay of culture, survival, and environment.
What to enjoy or watch next
To explore more about Nigeria’s environmental challenges and cultural richness, follow ongoing photo stories and reports highlighting the intersections between health, traditional lifestyles, and industry impacts. Documentaries and visual collections from passionate photojournalists such as Taiwo Aina-Adeokun provide an intimate window into these realities.
Additionally, stories about communities working to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and balance economic needs with health concerns offer inspiring glimpses of hope. Watching how local innovation and government actions evolve can reveal pathways toward cleaner air and sustainable futures.