The Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal assured partners of the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading critical infrastructure for development in the country.
Balarabe disclosed this in Lagos recently while commissioning the Optimized House, a major milestone in Nigeria’s implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP).
The Minister revealed that the facility was developed in collaboration with the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support the transition from HCFC-141b to ozone- and climate-friendly blowing agents in the manufacture of rigid polyurethane foam.
He noted that the project was an achievement for the successful relocation and upgrade of the system laboratory with advanced analytical equipments, Optimization of the PU Systems House with additional blending tanks to improve capacity, Complete phase-out of HCFC-141b in sandwich panel, spray, and block systems in Vitapur’s in-house operations.
The executive Director of Vitapurs Ltd Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi in his welcome address mentioned that the facility will enhance capabilities in trials, testing, and training with low-GWP blowing agents, increased blending capacity of ODS-free raw materials for rigid PU products and Expansion of laboratory functions for analysis of raw materials and finished products, Economic & Environmental Impact.
He further noted that the optimized system house will:
- Promote employment creation and technology transfer, save foreign exchange by reducing import dependency, support Nigeria’s industrialization drive through local subsidiaries such as Vitapur, Vitavisco, Vitablom, Vono Furniture, and Vitaparts, •Contribute to climate action and sustainable industrial development by aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Representative of UNDP Mrs. Elsie Attafuah also represented by Muyiwa Odele in a goodwill message called on the Ministry of Environment, Management and Staff of Vitapurs Ltd to put the facility in optimal use and effective maintenance for the benefit of humanity.
The highlight of the commissioning was the handover certificate to the management of the Vitapur Nigeria Ltd. Also, an agreement was signed between the Federal Ministry of Environment (through the National Ozone Office), UNDP, and Vitapur Nigeria Ltd. to ensure the sustainability and continuous optimization of the System House.
In her closing remarks, the Director of Pollution Control & Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar commended the guests for honouring their invitation and urged all Nigerians to encourage our indigenous manufacturers in their efforts towards ensuring that we operate in an environmental friendly manner.
Signed
Ibrahim Haruna
Director, Information.
