Stakeholders Brainstorm on Reduction of F-GAS and ODS in Nigeria

By Essien Inyang

Abuja, Nigeria – Environmentalists and major stakeholders convened in Abuja on Thursday to discuss strategies for accelerating actions to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GAS) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in Nigeria.

The inception workshop brought together representatives from the Ministry of Environment, the Nigerian Customs Service, the service sector, technicians, manufacturers, the media, and civil society. The event focused on the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment, alongside a project titled “Promoting Fast Actions in Reducing Emissions of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-GAS) and Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) in Nigeria.”

Technical Sessions

The workshop featured multiple technical sessions addressing key issues, including:

1. Current Situation in Nigeria on F-GAS and ODS Reduction – Assessing the present state of emissions control in Nigeria.

2. Regional Collaboration and Future Pathways – Exploring ways to advance F-GAS and ODS reduction across Africa.

3. Gaps, Solutions, and Opportunities for Fast Actions – Identifying challenges and possible interventions.

4. Adopting Low-GWP Refrigerants and Technologies – Reviewing case studies and best practices for sustainable alternatives.

STAKEHOLDERS ENGAGEMENT

Participants were divided into four groups to deliberate on specific areas:

1. Regulatory and Enforcement Authorities – Discussing implementation, monitoring, and compliance by government stakeholders.

2. Service Sector, Technicians, Manufacturers, and Distributors – Exploring industry-led solutions for emission reductions.

3. Enhancing Public Awareness – Engaging non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in education and advocacy.

4. Developing Incentives for Alternative Adoption – Reviewing the role of international governmental organizations (IGOs) and academia in promoting sustainable refrigerants and technologies.

Each group presented their key findings and recommendations, which were later summarized by Professor Babajide Alo, emphasizing priority actions to bridge identified gaps.

Key Concepts and Abbreviations Explained

F-GAS (Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases) – Synthetic gases used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other industrial applications, contributing to global warming.

ODS (Ozone-Depleting Substances) – Chemicals that deplete the Earth’s ozone layer, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Montreal Protocol – A global agreement adopted in 1987 to phase out ODS and protect the ozone layer.

Kigali Amendment – A 2016 amendment to the Montreal Protocol aimed at reducing the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a type of F-GAS with high global warming potential (GWP).

GWP (Global Warming Potential) – A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂).

The workshop marked a significant step in Nigeria’s commitment to global climate action and environmental sustainability. Stakeholders emphasized the need for swift implementation of recommended strategies to mitigate the effects of harmful emissions and promote a greener future.