Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria to phase-out harmful substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire protection sectors, while promoting the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives and energy-efficient technologies. The Minister stated this in Abuja at the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and 2025 World Ozone Day in Nigeria.
According to the Minister, this year’s celebration themed ‘ From Science to Global action’ underscores the vital role of science in driving collective environmental solutions.
His words: “Forty years ago, the Vienna Convention was adopted, followed by the Montreal Protocol, which remains the most successful multilateral environmental agreement. It is a guide to the global phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Today, scientific evidence shows that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066. The Kigali Amendment of 2016 further enhances this progress by addressing the effects of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and contributing to climate change mitigation, especially among African nations.
“Nigeria ratified both the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in 1988 and has since met key phase-out targets, including CFCs and Halons. We have also ratified the Kigali Amendment and will soon commence implementation of the plan. The Federal Ministry of Environment, under the able leadership of His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is collaborating with partners to phase out harmful substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire protection sectors, while promoting the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives and energy-efficient technologies. We are also training technicians, strengthening regulations, and facilitating technology transfer with neighbouring countries to attain our goals.
“In line with the Montreal Protocol’s Gender Mainstreaming Policy, we are empowering women in technical fields through a scholarship programme in honour of the late Mrs. Charity Kpabep, a pioneer female refrigeration and air-conditioning trainer and practitioner in Nigeria, who made significant contributions to the sector until her demise. We remain committed to promoting gender inclusivity and skills acquisition with a view to advancing sustainable environmental development in line with Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister further noted: “As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that our work is far from over. With the Kigali targets ahead, we owe it to our country and the world to save our only ozone layer by strengthening our policies, adopting cleaner technologies, building strong partnerships, and ensuring that future generations inherit a safer and healthier environment. Nigeria is determined, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to meet new obligations and safeguard our environment.
“I acknowledge with gratitude the efforts of our partners, including UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, and GIZ, in implementing the Montreal Protocol. I also appreciate the support of relevant government agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and NESREA, among others, for their dedication and hard work towards achieving our environmental goals over the years.
“Finally, I congratulate the award recipients and welcome our distinguished guest, the Emir of Nasarawa and former Honourable Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Usman Jibril. I am proud to have continued his legacy of impactful work. It is also a great pleasure to have him as one of our esteemed awardees.
“Let’s work together to protect our environment from Ozone depletion substances, I wish you all a happy 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and happy 2025 World Ozone Day Celebration!”he also added.
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