Nigeria says it is committed to stronger policies, cleaner technologies, and robust partnerships to safeguard its ozone layer for future generations.
This was stated by Nigeria’s Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal at the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and 2025 World Ozone Day in Abuja.
The anniversary was themed “From Science to Global Action.” This milestone reflects the critical role of science in driving collective environmental solutions for a sustainable future.
According to the minster, “the Federal Ministry of Environment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is advancing the Kigali Amendment implementation, promoting climate-friendly alternatives in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire protection sectors.”
“We’re training technicians, strengthening regulations, and fostering technology transfer with neighboring countries to meet our goals.” He said.
He said that in line with the Montreal Protocol’s Gender Mainstreaming Policy, government was empowering women through the Charity Kpabep Scholarship, and honoring the late pioneer in Nigeria’s refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.
This initiative, he said, promotes gender inclusivity and skills development, aligning with our vision for sustainable environmental progress.
The Montreal Protocol
Forty years ago, the Vienna Convention laid the foundation for the Montreal Protocol, the world’s most successful environmental agreement, guiding the global phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
He commended global efforts, which he explained has put the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066.
“The 2016 Kigali Amendment further strengthens this progress by tackling Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), contributing to climate change mitigation, particularly in African nations“. He explained
The Minister said that Nigeria, a proud signatory to the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol since 1988, has achieved key milestones, including phasing out CFCs and Halons.
Nigeria’s Commitment To Stronger Policies
“As we celebrate, the work continues. With Kigali targets ahead, Nigeria is committed to stronger policies, cleaner technologies, and robust partnerships to safeguard our ozone layer for future generation.” He declared
He commended partners like UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, GIZ, Nigerian Customs Service, NAFDAC, and NESREA—for their unwavering support.
The UNDP Residence Representative Mrs. Elsie Attafuah on her part said that protecting the ozone layer is more than an environmental imperative but a public health necessity.
She said that by reducing harmful emissions, Nigerians are preventing skin cancers, respiratory illnesses and other health risks that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
According to her, “The Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol presents a unique opportunity to tackle climate change by reducing hydrofluorocarbons, potent greenhouse gases.
She further described Nigeria’s proactive approach in mainstreaming Montreal Protocol priorities into its nationally determined contributions, particularly 3.0, the recent one, under the Paris Agreement, as a commendable and a very bold step.
Mrs. Attafuah stated that UNDP is proud to have been a long-standing partner of the Government of Nigeria, working with the ozone office to implement strategic measures designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and build the capacity of enforcement agencies and technical practitioners.
“Together, we are promoting the adoption of sustainable cooling technologies and laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer and more resilient future. The second area of reflection, Excellencies and Ladies and Gentlemen, is climate and health synergy,” The UNDP Rep said.
World Ozone Day 2025
In his remarks, the Emir of Nasarawa State, HRH Ibrahim Usman Jibril, , said the 2025 World Ozone Layer Day was not just about diplomacy but about securing a safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.
He said the event was also a renewed commitment, especially among the youth, to safeguard the environment, promote innovation, and embrace climate-friendly solutions.
He assured everyone that he will continue “to remain loyal to the protection of our dear environment”.
“It is a great joy to join all of you commemorating the 2025 World Ozone Day, which also marks the 40th anniversary of the Guyana Convention. “This day is a reminder of the remarkable achievements of the international community under the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change,” he stated.
HRH Ibrahim Usman Jibril also commended the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Ozone Office, and international partners for their tireless work in sustaining the momentum of the Protocol and ensuring that Nigeria continues to lead by example in ozone and climate protection.
The day also witnessed the presentation of an award to the Emir of Nassarawa State, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, the UNDP resident Mrs Elsie Attafuah, amongst others.
