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Minister pledges Nigeria’s commitment to ozone layer protection – EnviroNews
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Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, has pledged Nigeria’s continued collaboration with stakeholders to protect the ozone layer from ozone-depleting substances.
Lawal made the pledge in Abuja on Thursday, September 17, at the event to commemorate the 2026 World Ozone Day, which is observed annually in Sept. 16.
The theme of the 2026 World Ozone Day is “Global Action for a Cooler Planet,”.
The 2026 observance also marks 10 years of sustainable cooling under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer.
The minister said that scientific evidence indicated that the ozone layer was on track to recover by 2066.
Lawal described the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol as major global environmental achievements.
He said that Nigeria ratified the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol in 1988 and had achieved important phase-out targets for substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons.
Lawal also said that Nigeria had also ratified the Kigali Amendment, which addresses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) because of their contribution to climate change, particularly in developing countries.
The minister further said that the Federal Government would collaborate with partners to phase out harmful substances used in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol and fire-protection equipment.
According to him, Nigeria will promote climate-friendly alternatives and energy-efficient technologies to support sustainable cooling and strengthen efforts toward achieving environmental protection commitments.
The minister highlighted training of technicians, strengthening regulations and facilitating technology transfer as important measures toward meeting Nigeria’s obligations under international ozone-protection agreements.
Lawal called for stronger policies, cleaner technologies and enhanced partnerships, stressing that the ultimate goal remained leaving future generations with safer and healthier environments.
The minister acknowledged contributions of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to tĥe protection of the environment.
The minister also recognised Nigerian agencies involved in implementing the Montreal Protocol, commending their contributions toward protecting the ozone layer and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
By Abigael Joshua
