FG Reiterates Commitment to Ozone Layer Protection on World Ozone Day
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the ozone layer through enhanced policy frameworks, adoption of cleaner technologies, and strategic partnerships in order to build a safer, healthier environment for future generations.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 2025 World Ozone Day Celebration in Abuja, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, highlighted Nigeria’s progress in phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
“Forty years ago, the Vienna Convention was adopted, followed by the Montreal Protocol, which remains the most successful multilateral environmental agreement,” Lawal said. “Today, scientific evidence shows that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066.”
The Minister noted that Nigeria has ratified both the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, meeting key phase-out targets, including CFCs and Halons, adding that the country has also ratified the Kigali Amendment and is working to implement its provisions.
Lawal emphasized the importance of partnerships, acknowledging the efforts of organizations like UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, and GIZ in supporting Nigeria’s environmental goals. He also appreciated the support of government agencies like the Nigerian Customs Service, NAFDAC, and NESREA.
The Minister highlighted initiatives to empower women in technical fields, including a scholarship program in honour of the late Mrs. Charity Kpabep, restating Nigeria’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity and skills acquisition in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Let’s work together to protect our environment from Ozone depletion substances,” he said
Earlier, the Ministry’s Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Engr (Mrs) Bahijjahtu Abubakar highlighted that the theme ‘From Science to Global Action’ emphasizes science’s role in addressing ozone layer depletion and the need for research and cooperation.
She noted that the 2025 celebration would focus on the Honourable Minister presenting awards to stakeholders, including MDAs, implementing agencies, NGOs, industries, experts, and posthumous awards, to recognize and encourage continued collaboration and innovation in addressing environmental challenges.
