The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has pledged more commitment towards protecting the ozone layer and the environment in line with global best practice.
The Minister made the disclosure recently in Abuja at the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 2025 World Ozone Day with the theme, “From Science to Global Action.”
Balarabe further stated that the Vienna Convention which was adopted and the Montreal Protocol has remained the most successful multilateral environmental agreement thereby serving as a guide to the global phase-out of ozone-depleting substances, adding that scientific evidence has shown that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on Renewed Hope Agenda has been strengthening policies and adopting cleaner technologies, that would guarantee future posterities, safer and healthier environment.
He assured the general public that the ministry will continue to collaborate and partner with all relevant stakeholders to phase out harmful substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol and fire protection sectors, while promoting the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives and energy-efficient technologies.
Balarabe also emphasized on strengthening policies, adopting cleaner technologies, building strong partnerships, and ensuring that future generations inherit a safer and healthier Ozone layer and sustainable environment.
The Minister, however, lauded the efforts of partners such as UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, GIZ , amongst others in implementing the Montreal Protocol, dedication and hard work towards achieving the country’s environmental goals.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Director, Pollution Control and Environmental Health Engr. Bahijjah Abubakar welcomed all the invited guests for honoring their invitation.
Bahijjah believed that the purpose of the anniversary was to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our Ozone Layer and also to highlight Nigeria’s achievements in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, contributing to global efforts in protecting the Ozone Layer and mitigating climate change.
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 the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and integration of ozone protection measures into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
Attafuah further announced the establishment of an innovation hub in Nasarawa State in partnership with the Federal Government, which would focus on green technologies, sustainable cooling systems, and resource-efficient regulations against the importation and use of ozone-depleting substances.
The Emir of Nasarawa and former Minister of Environment, HRH Mallam Ibrahim Jibrin, believed that the 2025 World Ozone Day as a reminder of the remarkable achievements of international communities under the Montreal protocol in protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change
The highlight of the occasion was the awards given to some notable Nigerians and partners for their contributions toward the protection of Nigeria ozone layer and healthier environment.
The emir of Lafia was awarded with the champion of Kigali protocol, UNIDO as Montreal implementor, UNDP as the partnership champion in environment and host of others.
Mrs. Omotunde Adeola, the director (ll) of the department of PC&EH in her closing remarks thanked all the invited guests and hoped to have them in future celebrations.
Signed
Ibrahim Haruna
Director, Information and Public Relations
