The Federal Government of Nigeria has restated its determination to completely eliminate the country’s baseline consumption of 344.9 tonnes of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) by the year 2040.
This commitment was reiterated as the government commenced stage three of its Hydrochlorofluorocarbons Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) project, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Nigeria, as a signatory to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, is bound by the Multilateral Environmental Agreement’s regulations on the production and consumption of man-made chemicals known as Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). Under this treaty, parties have specific responsibilities concerning the phase-out of various groups of ODS.
In September 2007, parties to the Protocol accelerated their phase-out schedule for HCFCs, which are gases commonly used worldwide in refrigeration, air conditioning, and foam applications, as they are both ozone-depleting substances and potent greenhouse gases. Developing countries, including Nigeria, agreed to commence their phase-out process in 2013 and are progressively reducing their usage until complete elimination by 2040.
eaking at the official commissioning of the Ozone and Climate-friendly Air Conditioning Manufacturing Line at Sacral Industries Limited in Lagos, the Minister of State for the Federal Ministry of Environment, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, highlighted that the project is being implemented in stages. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to promoting environmentally sustainable practices and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The phase-out of HCFCs aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change and protect the Earth’s ozone layer. By transitioning to ozone-friendly alternatives and investing in sustainable technologies, Nigeria aims to contribute to international efforts to combat environmental degradation while fostering economic development and industrial growth.
As Nigeria progresses through the stages of its HPMP project, stakeholders across various sectors are urged to collaborate actively and adhere to established guidelines to ensure the successful achievement of the country’s phase-out targets by 2040.
