Nigeria has restated its resolve to protect the ozone layer and advance global climate goals, as the country joined the international community on Tuesday to mark the 2025 World Ozone Day and the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention in Abuja.
The commemoration, themed “From Science to Global Action”, brought together policymakers, development partners, traditional rulers, environmental experts and international organisations, highlighting the role of science and collective responsibility in tackling environmental challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, described the Vienna Convention of 1985 and the subsequent Montreal Protocol as landmark achievements in global environmental governance.
He recalled that Nigeria ratified both treaties in 1988 and has since made progress, including the phase-out of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons.
“With scientific evidence showing that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066, Nigeria is determined under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen policies, adopt cleaner technologies, and ensure that future generations inherit a safer and healthier environment,” Lawal said.
He further revealed that Nigeria has ratified the Kigali Amendment of 2016, which targets the phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases that fuel climate change. According to him, the ministry is already collaborating with industry stakeholders to replace harmful substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire protection sectors with climate-friendly alternatives.
In honour of the late Charity Kpabep, a pioneer female refrigeration and air-conditioning trainer in Nigeria, the minister also announced the launch of a scholarship programme aimed at encouraging women’s participation in technical fields.
Also speaking at the event, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, praised Nigeria’s leadership in implementing the Montreal Protocol and embedding ozone protection measures into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
“Protecting the ozone layer is not just an environmental imperative but a public health necessity. Nigeria’s proactive approach shows how ozone action can drive broader climate resilience and sustainable development,” Attafuah said.
She also announced the establishment of an innovation hub in Nasarawa State, in partnership with the Federal Government, which will focus on green technologies, sustainable cooling systems, and resource-efficient industries.
