By Faridat Salifu
As the world commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has recently announced a new initiative aimed at combating emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in Nigeria.
The project, titled “Promoting Fast Action to Reduce Emissions of F-gases and ODS in Nigeria,” will run from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, with support from the Environmental Investigation Agency, UK.
The Vienna Convention, established in 1985, laid the groundwork for global efforts to address ozone depletion, culminating in the Montreal Protocol of 1987.
This legally binding treaty has been instrumental in phasing out harmful substances and mitigating climate change, demonstrating the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation in tackling environmental crises.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, highlighted the importance of ongoing commitment to these international agreements.
“Nigeria has made significant progress in implementing the Montreal Protocol, but there is still much work to be done. Our initiative aims to assess the country’s progress, identify gaps, and propose necessary actions for enhanced environmental sustainability,” he stated.
SRADeV’s project will engage key national stakeholders, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) such as the National Ozone Office and NESREA, as well as industry practitioners and developmental bodies like UNIDO.
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A comprehensive gap analysis has been conducted to evaluate Nigeria’s current status regarding ODS and F-gas emissions, and findings will be reviewed to inform targeted interventions.
An inception workshop is scheduled for April 10, 2025, to officially launch the project, bringing together policymakers, regulatory agencies, and industry stakeholders. The initiative will include capacity-building programs, stakeholder engagements, and public awareness campaigns to promote knowledge and compliance.
Jeremiah Ato, Policy and Technical Officer at SRADeV Nigeria, noted the challenge of public awareness surrounding refrigerants.
“Most Nigerians are unaware of the environmental impact of these substances, highlighting the urgent need for education and outreach,” he said.
Nigeria strives to meet its commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), SRADeV sustaining its dedication to driving national action aligned with global environmental goals.
The organization calls on government agencies, industry leaders, and the public to support this vital initiative.
Victor Fabumi, Programme Manager at SRADeV Nigeria, emphasized the critical role of addressing F-gases and ODS emissions.
“F-gases have a high Global Warming Potential and contribute significantly to rising global temperatures. By tackling these emissions, SRADeV aims to play a key role in combating climate change,” he stated.
