FG to promote energy-efficient, climate-friendly technologies
By Abigael Joshua
The Federal Government says it is committed to promoting climate-friendly alternatives and energy-efficient technologies to safeguard the environment.
Malam Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 2025 World Ozone Day celebration.
This year’s theme, “From Science to Global Action”, reflects the role of science in driving collective environmental solutions.
Lawal said Nigeria was collaborating with partners to phase out harmful substances used in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire protection sectors.
“We owe it to our country and the world to save our only ozone layer by strengthening our policies, adopting cleaner technologies, building strong partnerships, and ensuring future generations inherit a safer, healthier environment,” he said.
He said Nigeria had ratified the Kigali Amendment and would soon begin implementing its plan.
“We are training technicians, strengthening regulations, and facilitating technology transfer with neighbouring countries to achieve our goals. Today, scientific evidence shows that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066,” Lawal said.
He explained that the Kigali Amendment of 2016 builds on earlier progress by tackling the impact of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, especially across Africa.
Mrs Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative, said the commemoration underscored the power of global cooperation.
“This year’s theme, ‘Fixing the Ozone Layer and Reducing Climate Change,’reminds us of the importance of protecting the planet while advancing human development,” she said.
Attafuah said Nigeria’s leadership in implementing the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment remained a beacon of hope.
She noted that through bold policy reforms, capacity building and stakeholder engagement, Nigeria had made significant strides in phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
She added that protecting the ozone layer was also a public health necessity, as reducing harmful emissions prevented skin cancers, respiratory illnesses and other health risks that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
She further commended Nigeria’s proactive approach in mainstreaming Montreal Protocol priorities into its nationally determined contributions under the Paris Agreement.
Attafuah also said UNDP was committed to supporting Nigeria in scaling up climate-smart technologies, fostering green entrepreneurship, and promoting circular economy models that reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency.
Alhaji Ibrahim Jibrin, Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, said World Ozone Day was a reminder of the achievements of the international community under the Montreal Protocol.
“As a nation, Nigeria has played an active role in these global efforts. I am proud to have contributed to the adoption of the historic Kigali Amendment in 2016.
“I will continue to remain loyal to the protection of our dear environment,” he said. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
On her part, the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms Elsie Attafuah, represented by Mr Muyiwa Odele, expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s compliance with the phase-out of ozone-depleting materials.