The Lagos Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the ozone layer and mitigating climate change, marking the 2024 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, today Tuesday, September 17th. In line with the United Nations Development Program mandate and protocol, LASEPA emphasized the significance of the Montreal Protocol in advancing climate action.

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, addressed the public on the importance of protecting the ozone layer, stating “This annual celebration, held on September 16, aims to raise awareness about the significance of the ozone layer and the need for collective action to preserve it.

He emphasized that LASEPA has taken up the responsibility to enlighten and educate the public about the depletion of the ozone layer. The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from hazardous gases and ultraviolet rays. However, human activities have led to its depletion, posing severe risks to human health and the environment.

According to Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, climate change and ozone layer depletion are intricately linked, emphasizing the need for urgent action. This year’s theme, “Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action,” highlights the protocol’s crucial role in protecting the ozone layer and driving global climate action initiatives.

He outlined LASEPA’s key initiatives, focusing on educating the public, particularly those handling hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other greenhouse gases, on proper management and disposal practices. These initiatives include advocacy and education, targeting refrigerator and air conditioner repairers, with over 200 participants at the event.

He also emphasized the importance of reporting leaks to prevent gas emissions. Furthermore, LASEPA aims to sustain a culture of ozone layer awareness among young people by educating children.

On practical steps towards protection, he assured that the Government has implemented policies and enforcement measures to ensure the safe management of equipment and gases. LASEPA collaborates with associations and federal agencies to implement these policies and enforce regulations.

Dr. Babatunde Ajayi acknowledged challenges, such as individuals operating outside Government oversight. However, LASEPA has strategies to enumerate and register them, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Olabimpe Adenaike, Federal Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos, highlighted the ministry’s efforts to protect the ozone layer. According to Adenaike, the ministry has been tirelessly working to reduce the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with high global warming potential.

She explained that Customs officials have been trained to identify and prevent the entry of harmful refrigerants into the country. This crucial step has significantly reduced the influx of ozone-damaging substances.

Additionally, Adenaike noted that a dedicated Desk Office focuses on disseminating information, providing technical assistance, training, health passes, and funding to relevant industries.

She emphasized the ministry’s collaboration with key sectors, including refrigeration, phone manufacturing, aerosol, and flame retardant industries. By working closely with these industries, Olabimpe Adenaike said the ministry has made significant progress in phasing out ODS and HFCs. This partnership has led to the development of alternative, eco-friendly technologies.

She highlighted the success of retrofitting process lines, which eliminates the need for harmful compounds. “When you retrofit a process line, they don’t have the need for the compound again,” Olabimpe Adenaike explained. This innovative approach has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s ozone layer protection efforts.

She noted that Nigeria’s efforts are aligned with the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer. The protocol has been successful in phasing out 98% of ODS globally compared to 1990 levels. Olabimpe Adenaike emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to this cause, demonstrating the country’s dedication to environmental protection.

Mr. Michael Bankole, Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning in Lagos State, sounded the alarm on the urgent need for climate action. He said “Our activities as humans create more problems for us than nature itself,” Bankole emphasized, citing the harmful effects of chloro-carbons and iso-chloro carbons, which have been banned.

According to Bankole, 2023 was the hottest year on record, with temperatures exceeding previous levels by 1.1 degrees centigrade. This increase is primarily due to human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases. He explained that climate change refers to the difference in duration and temperature patterns over time.

Bankole highlighted Nigeria’s significant contribution to global carbon emissions, ranking second in Africa and 19th globally. Lagos State alone generates 26 million tons of CO2 per year, surpassing Nigeria’s total emissions. This staggering figure underscores the need for immediate action.

The Director identified three climate indicators that Lagos State must address: sea level rise, extreme weather patterns, and temperature fluctuations. As a coastal city, Lagos is vulnerable to coastal flooding and erosion. The state experiences frequent flooding, affecting numerous areas, and recorded the highest temperature ever last year.

To combat climate change, Lagos State is taking proactive measures. “Whatever you cannot measure, you cannot evaluate,” Bankole stressed. The state is focusing on measuring emissions from three key sectors: energy, transportation, and waste. This data will inform strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Lagos State’s rapid population growth, with 72,000 people migrating from rural to urban centers annually, poses additional challenges. The state’s baseline data reveals that in 2015, Lagos generated about 26 million tons of CO2 per year. Bankole noted that some areas, such as Apapa were not captured in this assessment.

The state’s climate action plan includes:

– Measuring emissions to track progress
– Managing population growth to reduce strain on resources
– Implementing policies to decrease CO2 emissions
– Promoting sustainable practices across sectors

Mr. Akanbi Ola, CEO of De Koolar Nigeria Limited, emphasized the importance of proper refrigerant handling to mitigate health and environmental hazards. He stressed that human activities are significantly contributing to global warming.

He noted that greenhouse gases, such as those emitted from refrigerants, are at unprecedented levels, exceeding any point in the last 800,000 years. Climate change’s far-reaching impacts include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disrupted ecosystems.

Akanbi Ola posed two critical questions: “What can we do to eliminate human activities leading to global warming?” and “How will we cope with the changes we’ve set in motion?” The fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Akanbi Ola warned.

He highlighted the sun’s immense energy potential, stressing that the Earth receives more energy from the sun in one hour than humans use in a year. He emphasized the need to harness renewable energy sources.

He discussed the ozone layer’s crucial role in protecting human health and the environment. The ozone layer absorbs ultraviolet radiation, preventing damage to humans, plants, and animals.

To address ozone depletion, Akanbi Ola advocated for:

1. Gas Recovery, Recycling, and Recharging (RRR) machines.
2. Ozone-friendly refrigerant gases, such as HFCs (e.g., R-32, R-404A).
3. Valves and gas trapping devices in local designs.
4. Continuous technical training for quality brazing.
5. Materials selection training.
6. Waste management policies, including recycling.

Akanbi Ola commended international efforts to protect the ozone layer, citing the 1985 Global Convention in Vietnam. He emphasized the importance of implementing these measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a sustainable future.

Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP) Collaborates with Federal Government on Ozone Protection

John S. Akabuwe, President of the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), highlighted the organization’s long-standing partnership with the federal government on ozone protection.

Akabuwe noted that NARAP’s collaboration with the federal government began in 1996, with the first international conference on ozone issues. Since then, the organization has participated in various training programs and workshops, focusing on good practices in ozone depletion and Montreal Protocol implementation.

The federal government has trained approximately 12,000 NARAP members nationwide on ozone issues, providing 75 ozone-friendly foam machines for ice-making machines. Akabuwe praised the Government’s efforts, stating that NARAP has adhered to guidelines and best practices.

Akabuwe commended the Lagos State Government and Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) for their initiatives in reducing ozone-damaging emissions. He cited the state’s transportation strategy, which promotes the use of larger buses over individual vehicles, reducing carbon monoxide emissions.

“NARAP has learned a great deal about ozone issues,” Akabuwe said. “We will continue to support the federal and Lagos state Government in protecting the ozone layer.”

Fola Ajibolade, Head of Human Resources at Top Steel, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability, particularly in reducing ozone depletion and pollution. As a major steel producer, Top Steel works closely with regulatory bodies LASEPA and NESTRA to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Ajibolade acknowledged the steel industry’s significant environmental impact, citing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions ¹. However, he noted that Top Steel is making progress, thanks to regulatory oversight. “We’re not 100% there yet, but we’re progressing. LASEPA and NESTRA keep us on track, ensuring we follow rules and regulations,” he said.