Hot Source2025 World Ozone Day: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Ozone Protection
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to protecting the environment and safeguarding the ozone layer in line with global obligations under the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol.
The pledge was made during the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 2025 World Ozone Day, held on Tuesday in Abuja.
This year’s event themed: ‘From Science to Global Action’, brought together policymakers, development partners, traditional rulers, environmental experts and international organisations, underscoring the role of science and collective responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
Delivering his keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, noted that the Vienna Convention of 1985 and the subsequent Montreal Protocol remain landmark achievements in global environmental governance.
He recalled that Nigeria ratified both treaties in 1988 and has since achieved key milestones, including the phase-out of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons.
He said: “With scientific evidence showing that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066, Nigeria is determined under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen policies, adopt cleaner technologies, and ensure that future generations inherit a safer and healthier environment.”
Lawal further disclosed that Nigeria has ratified the Kigali Amendment of 2016, which targets the phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases that worsen climate change.
The ministry, he said, is working with industry stakeholders to replace harmful substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol and fire protection sectors with climate-friendly alternatives.
Highlighting gender inclusivity, the minister announced a scholarship programme in honour of the late Mrs. Charity Kpabep, a pioneer female refrigeration and air-conditioning trainer in Nigeria, to encourage women’s participation in technical fields.
Also speaking at the event, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Mrs Elsie Attafuah, commended Nigeria for its leadership in implementing the Montreal Protocol and integrating ozone protection measures into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
She said: “Protecting the ozone layer is not just an environmental imperative but a public health necessity. Nigeria’s proactive approach shows how ozone action can drive broader climate resilience and sustainable development.”
Attafuah further announced the establishment of an innovation hub in Nasarawa State in partnership with the Federal Government, which will focus on green technologies, sustainable cooling systems, and resource-efficient industries.
The event also featured goodwill messages from partner agencies including UNIDO, UNEP, GIZ, and Nigerian government institutions such as the Customs Service, NAFDAC, and NESREA, all of which play critical roles in enforcing regulations against the importation and use of ozone-depleting substances.
Distinguished guests included the Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, Mallam Ibrahim Jibril, who was honoured for his contributions to environmental protection, alongside other award recipients recognised for their roles in advancing Nigeria’s environmental goals.
Stakeholders at the event reiterated the urgent need for innovation, partnership and public awareness to ensure full compliance with global commitments and to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
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