In a bid to encourage the shift towards environmentally sustainable options, the Federal Ministry of Environment is partnering with various stakeholders to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in refrigeration, air conditioning, foam production, aerosols, and fire safety industries.
Speaking in Abuja during the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 2025 World Ozone Day celebrations in Nigeria, Environment Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal highlighted ongoing efforts. These include upskilling technicians, reinforcing regulatory frameworks, and promoting technology exchange with neighboring countries to achieve environmental targets.
Minister Lawal emphasized that this year’s theme, “From science to global action,” highlights the indispensable contribution of scientific research in shaping unified environmental strategies. He urged all partners to enhance their policy frameworks and invest in innovative technologies to better safeguard the ozone layer.
“As we mark this significant anniversary, it is crucial to recognize that our mission continues. With the Kigali Amendment targets on the horizon, we have a responsibility to our nation and the global community to protect our precious ozone layer by strengthening legislation, embracing cleaner technologies, fostering robust collaborations, and ensuring a safer, healthier planet for future generations. Nigeria remains committed, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, to fulfilling new obligations and preserving our environment,” he stated.
The minister reflected on the historic adoption of the Vienna Convention four decades ago, followed by the Montreal Protocol, which he described as the most effective international environmental treaty. This protocol has successfully guided the worldwide reduction of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) over the years.
Highlighting scientific findings, Lawal noted that the ozone layer is projected to recover by 2066. He also pointed out that the 2016 Kigali Amendment strengthens this recovery by targeting Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), thereby aiding climate change mitigation efforts, particularly across African countries.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment, the minister stated that the country ratified both the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in 1988 and has since achieved significant milestones in phasing out substances like CFCs and Halons. Furthermore, Nigeria has ratified the Kigali Amendment and is preparing to implement its provisions in the near future.
