By Fatima Saka
Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADeV Nigeria) has called for increased financial support, stronger international cooperation and renewed political commitment to ensure the effective implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
The organisation made the call at the 48th Open-ended Working Group (OEWG48) meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Bangkok, Thailand, as stakeholders prepare to mark the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment later this year.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr Leslie Adogame, SRADeV said the meeting presents a critical opportunity for governments to reflect on the achievements of the Montreal Protocol while addressing emerging implementation challenges, particularly in developing countries.
The organisation stressed that the anniversary should serve as a platform for countries to renew their ambition toward tackling climate change through accelerated implementation of agreed obligations.
SRADeV urged Parties to replenish the Multilateral Fund, strengthen institutional support and scale up implementation efforts, especially in Article 5 countries such as Nigeria where demand for cooling technologies continues to rise rapidly.
The statement quoted the Director and National Ozone Officer at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Mr Idris Abdullahi, as saying that an adequately replenished Multilateral Fund is essential to helping developing countries meet their obligations while delivering both ozone protection and climate benefits.
He noted that sustained financial support remains indispensable for compliance under the Montreal Protocol.
SRADeV described the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987 and enforced in 1989, as one of the world’s most successful environmental agreements, adding that the Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, expanded its scope to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases contributing to global warming.
The organisation observed that the Bangkok meeting comes at a time of economic uncertainty, energy market volatility and worsening climate impacts, which are increasing implementation challenges for developing countries.
It noted that many countries are currently completing the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) while preparing for the first HFC phase-down step expected within the next three years.
SRADeV identified Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading countries implementing the Kigali Amendment through regulatory reforms, institutional strengthening, capacity building and market transformation initiatives coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Environment with support from international partners.
Adogame emphasised that predictable financing and sustained global cooperation are essential to reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and transforming cooling markets.
He added that adequate funding would also strengthen institutional capacity, modernise refrigeration servicing sectors and support sustainable cooling solutions, especially for vulnerable populations affected by rising temperatures.
According to him, the outcome of OEWG48 will significantly influence Nigeria’s ability to sustain implementation of its Kigali obligations in the coming years.
He noted that Nigeria is already strengthening its HFC licensing and quota systems, promoting climate-friendly refrigerants, expanding technician training and certification, and enhancing refrigerant recovery and recycling.
SRADeV’s Policy and Technical Manager, Mr Jeremiah Ato, said Nigeria has demonstrated strong commitment through proactive policy reforms, but warned that ambition must be matched with adequate resources.
“Now is not the time to reduce support; it is the time to strengthen it,” he said.
The organisation also expressed concern over the continued importation of obsolete and energy-inefficient refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment into developing countries.
It warned that such practices undermine the goals of the Kigali Amendment by prolonging reliance on outdated technologies that consume more electricity, use high-global warming potential refrigerants and generate hazardous waste.
READ ALSO: Lagos Cracks Down on Illegal Waste Disposal, Arrests 12 Offenders Across Key Areas
Lagos Climate Action Week: A new chapter in Africa’s climate governance
SRADeV called for stronger international collaboration to combat illegal trade, enhance customs intelligence, improve market surveillance and strengthen regulatory frameworks to curb the influx of obsolete equipment.
It also urged the African Group of Negotiators to maintain a unified position at the OEWG48 negotiations to safeguard Africa’s interests and accelerate the transition to climate-friendly cooling systems.
About The Author
