Incessant power outages have made Nigerians to be one of the highest users of private power generators
in the world. This study evaluates emissions from generators in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, with a view to determine the
implications of their widespread use. The study used the US EPA NONROAD 2005 model with some modifications
suited to the study environment. Primary data and other model inputs were obtained from appropriately designed
questionnaire that were administered in the study area. Wherever necessary, these were augmented with interviews
and sales data from major dealers in generators in the city of Port Harcourt. The total emissions from the model
output were 26.1 tons of THC, 362.79 tons of NOx, 138.33 tons of CO, 23.49 tons of PM10 and 44800.65 tons of
CO2 per year for diesel generators; and 1096.2 tons of THC, 70.47 tons of NOx, 20,175.3 tons of CO, 93.96 tons of
PM10 and 34,718.22 tons of CO2 per year for gasoline generators. Assuming a steady growth in the economy, and if
contributions from other sources are introduced into the calculation, the air quality of the city will get worse.
Environmental managers in the country should begin to consider inventorying every emission source and stipulate
standards as long-time measures. City managers should also provide guidance to residents on placement criteria for
private power plants so that they do not endanger the lives of their household members and that of their neighbours.