16/09/2025
NIGERIA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO OZONE LAYER PROTECTION ON 40th ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIENNA CONVENTION
The Federal Ministry of Environment, led by Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, marked the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and World Ozone Day 2025 with a high‑level commemoration at the Green Building, Federal Ministry of Environment, Maitama, Abuja. The event, held under this year’s theme, “From science to global action,” highlighted the central role of scientific evidence in shaping effective international and national responses to ozone depletion and related climate challenges.
Reflecting on four decades of international cooperation, the Minister recalled the adoption of the Vienna Convention and the subsequent Montreal Protocol, describing the latter as “the most successful multilateral environmental agreement.” He noted that the Protocol has provided a clear, enforceable pathway for the global phase‑out of ozone‑depleting substances (ODS), and pointed to current scientific assessments that indicate the ozone layer is on track to recover by approximately 2066. The Minister also emphasised the added momentum supplied by the Kigali Amendment (2016), which addresses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and furthers climate mitigation efforts — an especially important objective for African nations.
Nigeria’s record under the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol was a central theme of the Minister’s address. He reminded attendees that Nigeria ratified both instruments in 1988 and has since met key phase‑out targets, including the elimination of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. The Minister announced that Nigeria has also ratified the Kigali Amendment and will soon commence implementation of its obligations under that agreement. Implementation measures being pursued by the Ministry include phasing out harmful substances across the refrigeration, air‑conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire‑protection sectors, while promoting climate‑friendly alternatives and energy‑efficient technologies.
To ensure the transition is effective and sustainable, the Ministry is advancing several parallel strategies. These include capacity building through technician training programmes, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and facilitating technology transfer in collaboration with neighbouring countries. Such measures, the Minister said, are intended to secure the long‑term adoption of safer refrigerants and appliances and to enhance regional resilience to climate and environmental risks.
Gender mainstreaming within the Montreal Protocol framework also featured prominently. In line with the Protocol’s Gender Mainstreaming Policy, the Federal Ministry of Environment has launched a scholarship programme to empower women in technical fields. The scholarship is named in honour of the late Mrs. Charity Kpabep, a pioneer in refrigeration and air‑conditioning training and practice in Nigeria, recognising her significant contributions to the sector. The Minister stressed that promoting gender inclusivity and skills acquisition is essential to advancing sustainable environmental development in alignment with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister used the occasion to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to meeting the Kigali targets and underscored that much work remains. He called for strengthened policies, accelerated adoption of cleaner technologies, expanded partnerships, and deliberate efforts to ensure that future generations inherit a healthier environment. “With the Kigali targets ahead, we owe it to our country and the world to save our only ozone layer,” he said, urging coordinated national action and continuous compliance with international obligations.
Acknowledgement was given to national and international partners whose support has been critical to Nigeria’s progress. The Minister thanked development and technical partners, including UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, and GIZ, for their roles in implementing Montreal Protocol activities. He also recognised the dedication of domestic agencies — notably the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) — for their enforcement and regulatory contributions over the years.
The commemoration included presentation of awards to individuals and organisations that have made notable contributions to ozone protection. The Minister congratulated the award recipients and welcomed the distinguished guest of honour, the Emir of Nasarawa and former Honourable Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Usman Jibril, who was among the awardees. He expressed pride in continuing the legacy of impactful work in the sector.
As Nigeria moves forward, the Ministry of Environment under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to accelerate the phase‑out of ODS, adopt energy‑efficient and climate‑friendly alternatives, and build the human and institutional capacities necessary for compliance. The Minister concluded with a call to collective action: to protect the ozone layer, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that policy and practice are guided by the best available science.
The commemoration served as both a celebration of past achievements and a reminder of the work ahead. As Nigeria marks the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention and World Ozone Day 2025, the message is clear — from science to global action, coordinated effort and sustained commitment remain essential to securing a safer, healthier environment for present and future generations.
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