Esther Salifu
Nigeria has restated its commitment to safeguarding the environment and phasing out harmful ozone-depleting substances as the world commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 2025 World Ozone Day.
Speaking at an event held at the Green Building, Federal Ministry of Environment in Abuja, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said this year’s theme, “From science to global action,” reflects the role of science in driving effective environmental solutions.
“Forty years ago, the Vienna Convention was adopted, followed by the Montreal Protocol which remains the most successful multilateral environmental agreement,”
“Today, scientific evidence shows that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066.” The minister noted
Lawal highlighted Nigeria’s progress since ratifying the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in 1988, including the complete phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons.
He added that the country has also ratified the Kigali Amendment and is preparing for its implementation plan.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are working with partners to phase out harmful substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire protection sectors while promoting climate-friendly alternatives and energy-efficient technologies,” he said.
The Minister also announced efforts to empower women in technical fields through a scholarship programme dedicated to the late Mrs. Charity Kpabep, a pioneer female refrigeration and air-conditioning trainer in Nigeria.
“We remain committed to gender inclusivity and skills acquisition as part of our vision for sustainable environmental development,” Lawal added.
Acknowledging the role of development partners such as UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, and GIZ, as well as local agencies including the Nigerian Customs Service, NAFDAC, and NESREA, the Minister praised their contributions toward achieving national and global environmental goals.
The celebration also featured awards, with the Emir of Nasarawa and former Environment Minister, Mallam Ibrahim Usman Jibril, recognized for his contributions.
Concluding his address, Lawal urged Nigerians to remain committed to protecting the ozone layer.
“Our work is far from over. With the Kigali targets ahead, we owe it to our country and the world to save our only ozone layer by strengthening policies, adopting cleaner technologies, and ensuring future generations inherit a healthier environment,” he said.
