Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985)—a landmark international agreement that laid the foundation for global efforts to safeguard the ozone layer.
This milestone underscores four decades of scientific collaboration, policy action, and environmental progress in tackling ozone depletion and climate change.
In alignment with this global commitment, Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) is proud to launch a groundbreaking initiative:
“Promoting Fast Action to Reduce Emissions of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) in Nigeria.”
This one-year project, running from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025, is supported by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA UK) and aims to combat the rising emissions of F-gases and ODS in Nigeria. These substances significantly contribute to global warming and ozone depletion, posing severe environmental and public health risks.
From Global Agreements to Local Action
The Vienna Convention led to the establishment of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987)—a legally binding treaty recognized as one of the most successful environmental agreements in history. The Montreal Protocol has played a crucial role in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS), restoring the ozone layer, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the power of global cooperation in tackling environmental crises.
As Nigeria continues to fulfill its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, which focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), SRADeV Nigeria’s initiative aims to bridge critical gaps in policy, technology, and enforcement.
Dr. Leslie Adogame, Executive Director of SRADeV Nigeria, emphasized the importance of sustained commitment:
“Nigeria has made significant progress in implementing the Montreal Protocol, but there is still much work to be done. Our upcoming initiative will assess the country’s progress, identify gaps, and propose necessary actions to enhance environmental sustainability.”
A Collaborative Approach: Engaging Key Stakeholders
To drive effective implementation, SRADeV Nigeria will work closely with national stakeholders, including:
Government Agencies: National Ozone Office (NOO), NESREA, and relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Industry Practitioners: Organizations such as the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP).
International Development Partners: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and other key bodies.
A comprehensive gap analysis has already been conducted to assess Nigeria’s progress in reducing ODS and F-gas emissions. The findings will be further reviewed in stakeholder discussions to guide targeted interventions.
Project Launch and Public Awareness Campaign
To officially launch the initiative, SRADeV Nigeria will host an inception workshop on April 10, 2025, bringing together policymakers, regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public.
Beyond policy efforts, SRADeV Nigeria will roll out capacity-building programs, stakeholder engagements, and public awareness campaigns to ensure widespread knowledge and compliance.
Mr. Jeremiah Ato, Policy and Technical Officer at SRADeV Nigeria, highlighted the challenge of public awareness:
“Refrigerants are used in nearly every household and commercial sector, yet most Nigerians are unaware of their environmental impact. This highlights the urgent need for capacity building and widespread public awareness.”
Building a Sustainable Future
As we celebrate four decades of the Vienna Convention’s impact, SRADeV Nigeria remains committed to driving national action in alignment with global environmental goals.
We urge government agencies, industry leaders, the media, and the public to support this initiative in building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Nigeria.
Mr. Victor Fabumi, Programme Manager at SRADeV Nigeria, emphasized the urgency of addressing F-gas and ODS emissions:
“F-gases have an exceptionally high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and significantly contribute to rising global temperatures, exacerbating climate change. Similarly, ODS not only accelerate global warming but also deplete the ozone layer. By addressing emissions from both sources, SRADeV aims to play a pivotal role in combating climate change.”
As we mark 40 years of global ozone protection, SRADeV Nigeria stands at the forefront of national efforts to protect the environment for future generations.
