By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian government has launched the Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (AGORA) project, aimed at promoting energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) technologies.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address climate change and reduce the environmental impact of outdated RAC systems.
The launch at a recent workshop in Abuja organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment’s National Ozone Office in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), brought together key stakeholders to discuss the project’s goals and significance.
The workshop, titled “Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete RAC Equipment in Ghana and Nigeria (AGORA),” emphasized the importance of transitioning to sustainable cooling solutions in both countries.
Idris Abdullahi, the Ozone Officer at the Federal Ministry of Environment, said the AGORA Project provides a vital opportunity to advance the adoption of energy-efficient and low Global Warming Potential (GWP) technologies.
The project, he continued, aims to strengthen policies, regulations, and partnerships to facilitate the replacement of old, inefficient RAC equipment, which uses high-GWP refrigerants.
By promoting these upgrades, Abdullahi said the project hopes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transform the RAC market in Africa, and foster South-South cooperation between Nigeria and Ghana.
“This project presents a great opportunity to further our efforts in promoting energy-efficient and low-GWP technologies in the RAC sector,” he said, adding, “Through policy enhancement and market transformation, we aim to reduce emissions at the end of the equipment’s life and replace outdated systems with more sustainable alternatives.”
Nigeria’s commitment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to protect the ozone layer, is also a key driver of the AGORA Project, the Ozone officer said, disclosing that Nigeria has ratified all amendments to the protocol, including the Kigali Amendment, which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a major source of greenhouse gases used in cooling systems.
Dr. Shehu Mustapha, of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), noted that the AGORA Project is essential for accelerating the transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration and air conditioning technologies.
He said it would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals by enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainable cooling solutions.
“The AGORA Project will shape the future of cooling standards in Nigeria, promoting energy-efficient technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while supporting sustainable economic growth,” Dr. Mustapha said.
Also speaking, Joel Darkwah, Regional Policy and Technical Specialist at the UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa, pointed out Nigeria’s leadership role in the Montreal Protocol.
He noted that as the demand for cooling solutions continues to grow, particularly in residential and commercial sectors, the challenge lies in ensuring that this growth is sustainable and environmentally responsible.
“Nigeria’s proactive role in sustainable cooling is essential, as the demand for cooling—especially in sectors like cold chain—will continue to increase,” Darkwah said. “The AGORA Project will ensure that this growth is managed sustainably, selecting the most efficient and environmentally friendly solutions.”
The project also aims to raise public awareness about sustainable cooling options, particularly at the household level, to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
The AGORA Project, according to environmentalists, is an important step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development.
Through collaboration with international partners and the implementation of innovative policies, Nigeria aims to lead the way in Africa’s transition to climate-friendly cooling solutions.