The Nigerian Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Lawal, says the government is determined to meet new obligations and safeguard the environment.
The minister stated this at the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the 2025 World Ozone Day Celebration held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
He said the Federal Ministry of Environment, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, is collaborating with partners to phase out harmful substances in refrigeration, air-conditioning, foam, aerosol, and fire protection sectors.
“As we celebrate this milestone, let us remember that our work is far from over. With the Kigali targets ahead, we owe it to our country and the world to save our only ozone layer by strengthening our policies, adopting cleaner technologies, building strong partnerships, and ensuring that future generations inherit a safer and healthier environment.”
Nigeria is determined, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to meet new obligations and safeguard our environment,” he said.
I had the honor to address critical stakeholders on the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and 2025 World Ozone Day in Abuja today, themed “From Science to Global Action.”
This milestone reflects the critical role… pic.twitter.com/7T364pP8Jh
— Balarabe Abbas Lawal (@BalarabeAbbas_) September 16, 2025
He explained that the government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is also promoting the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives and energy-efficient technologies.
He said, “We are also training technicians, strengthening regulations, and facilitating technology transfer with neighbouring countries to attain our goals.”
The minister further stressed that Nigeria ratified both the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol in 1988 and has since met key phase-out targets, including CFCs and halons.
“We have also ratified the Kigali Amendment and will soon commence implementation of the plan,” he explained.
According to him, “Forty years ago, the Vienna Convention was adopted, followed by the Montreal Protocol, which remains the most successful multilateral environmental agreement. It is a guide to the global phase-out of ozone-depleting substances (ODS).”
“Today, scientific evidence shows that the ozone layer is on track to recover by 2066. The Kigali Amendment of 2016 further enhances this progress by addressing the effects of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and contributing to climate change mitigation, especially among African nations.”
He commended the efforts of partners, including UNDP, UNIDO, UNEP, and GIZ, in implementing the Montreal Protocol.
“I also appreciate the support of relevant government agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and NESREA, among others, for their dedication and hard work towards achieving our environmental goals over the years,” he said.
UNDP Residence Representative Mrs. Elsie Attafuah says protecting the ozone layer is more than an environmental imperative but a public health necessity.
She explained that by reducing harmful emissions, Nigerians are preventing skin cancers, respiratory illnesses and other health risks that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
“The Kigali Amendment of the Montreal Protocol presents a unique opportunity to tackle climate change by reducing hydrofluorocarbons, potent greenhouse gases. Nigeria’s proactive approach in mainstreaming Montreal Protocol priorities into its nationally determined contributions, particularly 3.0, the recent one, under the Paris Agreement, is a commendable step. It’s a very bold step.” She said.
She explained that UNDP is proud to have been a long-standing partner of the Government of Nigeria, working with the ozone office to implement strategic measures designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and build the capacity of enforcement agencies and technical practitioners.
“Together, we are promoting the adoption of sustainable cooling technologies and laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer and more resilient future. The second area of reflection, Excellencies and Ladies and Gentlemen, is climate and health synergy,” Mrs. Elsie Attafuah explained.
The Emir of Nararawa State, HRH Ibrahim Usman Jibril, in his remarks, says the 2025 World Ozone Layer Day is not just about diplomacy but about securing a safer, more sustainable future for generations to come.
He said the event is also a renewed commitment, especially among the youth, to safeguard the environment, promote innovation, and embrace climate-friendly solutions.
“I want to assure you that I will continue to remain loyal to the protection of our dear environment. It is a great joy to join all of you commemorating the 2025 World Ozone Day, which also marks the 40th anniversary of the Guyana Convention.
“This day is a reminder of the remarkable achievements of the international community under the Montreal Protocol in protecting the ozone layer and combating climate change,” he stated.
HRH Ibrahim Usman Jibril also commended the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Ozone Office, and international partners for their tireless work in sustaining the momentum of the Protocol and ensuring that Nigeria continues to lead by example in ozone and climate protection.
The highlight of the day also witnessed the presentation of an award to the Emir of Nassarawa State, Ibrahim Usman Jibril, the UNDP resident Mrs Elsie Attafuah, amongst others.
This year’s theme for the 2025 World Ozone Day Celebration, “From science to global action,” underscores the vital role of science in driving collective environmental solutions.