Poor Air Quality in Urban Settings: A Comparison of Perceptual Indicators, Causes and Management in Two Cities

Poor air quality (PAQ) is a global concern, especially in urban areas, and often seen as an important element of social sustainability given its negative impact on health life. However, little research has been undertaken cities the developing world to explore how residents perceive poor quality, main causes, what control measures should be used address PAQ where responsibility rests for implementing measures. The described this paper sought these points, using questionnaire-based survey (n = 262) Nigeria’s federal capital city Abuja 137) state-capital Enugu 125). took place during COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020 March 2021), was stratified ensure representation across number demographic groups such gender, age, education income. results were analysed Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test Hochberg’s post hoc available SPSS version 28. study found that ranking perceptual indicators causes had much agreement between respondents from both groups. Smoke, odour dust particles perceived most PAQ, while sources waste bush burning, vehicle use power generators. two preferred proper management avoidance burning. there significant difference terms organisations responsible addressing with citing government, those cited state government. Interestingly, younger people noted government take more controlling than did older city, but not Abuja. Overall, reveals Nigerian clearly recognise their exposure it suggests indicators, views interventions central designing policies issue.